In the transport system, the trains have cemented their placed to the extent that many economies could stop in case they were to completely fail. In fact, they have provided the most viable solution to jam in large cities like New York and London. With no sign of being displaced by other transportation methods in future, the current focus is more on designing better performing vehicles in terms of speed efficiency and durability. One thing that cannot escape on the mind of engineers however the railroad track maintenance, as this is can cripple the whole system.
Natural, railroad tracks are fully exposed to the environment and as such are frequently affected by natural conditions and human made factors like road construction work. On natural factors, frequent temperature changes is the main factor although such factors like heavy rail, soil erosion, flood, earthquakes and volcanic activities among several others may also render them unsafe for use or completely unusable. Vibration by the passing train however remains the top culprit.
The problem is normally solved through one of two approaches depending on the overall objective. It can be through the minimal tolerance or the desirable tolerance. There is just a small difference between the two. The minimal tolerance targets at making the rail line safe for use while the desirable tolerance focus on comfort of those using it such as the passengers and staff. This means that desirable standards require more frequent and detailed maintenance job.
On top of the list is the original design of the railroad network. It is important to determine if it is laid in jointed track or CWR, does it straitens and curves or the transitions in between and material used for formation among others.
To start with, the original design is very crucial. For instance, was it laid on CWR or jointed track? Is it straightened and curved or transitions are used? What formation materials were used? These are some of the question that must be answered in regards to the original design. The other issues to considered include but not limited to traffic mix, the traffic speed and the tonnage. These factors with be the basis of formulating the frequencies and level of inspection and maintenance.
Currently, there are several track inspection machines capable of collecting varied information from the railway line. One commonly used machine for this purpose is the High Speed Track Recording Coach which engineers simply refer to as HSTRC. It collects data on various aspects such as the alignment, dynamic cross level, the gauge, the five and three meter twist, the top-left and top-right above and below datum among others.
The line should be made as smooth as possible to eliminate vibrations, and as such, allow for passengers comfort even at high speed. The economic aspect of this project is also analyzed with the aim being to achieve maximum comfort, no derailment and general perfection all at minimal possible cost.
The railroad track maintenance should not be the basis for interrupting services. In fact, it should be schedule in a way that the company is still able to gain the maximum revenue while guaranteeing the comfort and safety of the passengers and staff members.
Natural, railroad tracks are fully exposed to the environment and as such are frequently affected by natural conditions and human made factors like road construction work. On natural factors, frequent temperature changes is the main factor although such factors like heavy rail, soil erosion, flood, earthquakes and volcanic activities among several others may also render them unsafe for use or completely unusable. Vibration by the passing train however remains the top culprit.
The problem is normally solved through one of two approaches depending on the overall objective. It can be through the minimal tolerance or the desirable tolerance. There is just a small difference between the two. The minimal tolerance targets at making the rail line safe for use while the desirable tolerance focus on comfort of those using it such as the passengers and staff. This means that desirable standards require more frequent and detailed maintenance job.
On top of the list is the original design of the railroad network. It is important to determine if it is laid in jointed track or CWR, does it straitens and curves or the transitions in between and material used for formation among others.
To start with, the original design is very crucial. For instance, was it laid on CWR or jointed track? Is it straightened and curved or transitions are used? What formation materials were used? These are some of the question that must be answered in regards to the original design. The other issues to considered include but not limited to traffic mix, the traffic speed and the tonnage. These factors with be the basis of formulating the frequencies and level of inspection and maintenance.
Currently, there are several track inspection machines capable of collecting varied information from the railway line. One commonly used machine for this purpose is the High Speed Track Recording Coach which engineers simply refer to as HSTRC. It collects data on various aspects such as the alignment, dynamic cross level, the gauge, the five and three meter twist, the top-left and top-right above and below datum among others.
The line should be made as smooth as possible to eliminate vibrations, and as such, allow for passengers comfort even at high speed. The economic aspect of this project is also analyzed with the aim being to achieve maximum comfort, no derailment and general perfection all at minimal possible cost.
The railroad track maintenance should not be the basis for interrupting services. In fact, it should be schedule in a way that the company is still able to gain the maximum revenue while guaranteeing the comfort and safety of the passengers and staff members.
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