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.
The railroad as frequently affected and damaged by environmental factors like temperature changes, floods, earth quakes, volcanic related factors and many physical activities. As if this is not enough, the trains traveling on them vary in weight and speed. Other than damages resulting from vibrations, the physical wear and tear is unavoidable.
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.
The objective of safety and comfort means that the desirable tolerance level is the best approach. It achieves this by determining the tolerable level that is comfortable enough but is economically viable. In order to achieve this, many factors must be balanced.
It starts from determining the original railway design. This requires answering a series of questions such as whether it is a joint track or is laid on CWR, is it a transition line or depends on straight and curved network and what materials were used in formation. The aspects as the traffic frequency, the traffic speed, mix and weight of vehicles also matters. This provides a good basis for formulating the approach, details and frequency of railroad track maintenance work.
The data from inspection normally provide the basis for work. In most cases, the High Speed Track Recording Coach (HSTRC) is normally used to measure a number of parameters from the railway line. Some of these are the alignment, the gauge, the dynamic cross level, the 3-meter twist, 5-meter twist, top-left above and below datum and the top-right above and below datum. The focus is to maintain zero dynamic level variation, with minimal alignment variation from the design.
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 company contracted for railroad track maintenance must demonstrate technical capacity both in terms of experience, efficiency, the technology used, the engineers and the quotation. While you are in the process of making sure the railway system is comfortable and safe, it should not be the cause of delay and disruptions in services, unless unavoidable.
The railroad as frequently affected and damaged by environmental factors like temperature changes, floods, earth quakes, volcanic related factors and many physical activities. As if this is not enough, the trains traveling on them vary in weight and speed. Other than damages resulting from vibrations, the physical wear and tear is unavoidable.
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.
The objective of safety and comfort means that the desirable tolerance level is the best approach. It achieves this by determining the tolerable level that is comfortable enough but is economically viable. In order to achieve this, many factors must be balanced.
It starts from determining the original railway design. This requires answering a series of questions such as whether it is a joint track or is laid on CWR, is it a transition line or depends on straight and curved network and what materials were used in formation. The aspects as the traffic frequency, the traffic speed, mix and weight of vehicles also matters. This provides a good basis for formulating the approach, details and frequency of railroad track maintenance work.
The data from inspection normally provide the basis for work. In most cases, the High Speed Track Recording Coach (HSTRC) is normally used to measure a number of parameters from the railway line. Some of these are the alignment, the gauge, the dynamic cross level, the 3-meter twist, 5-meter twist, top-left above and below datum and the top-right above and below datum. The focus is to maintain zero dynamic level variation, with minimal alignment variation from the design.
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 company contracted for railroad track maintenance must demonstrate technical capacity both in terms of experience, efficiency, the technology used, the engineers and the quotation. While you are in the process of making sure the railway system is comfortable and safe, it should not be the cause of delay and disruptions in services, unless unavoidable.
