Characterisation of track buckling resistance
Journal article, 2024

This study sets out with a network-wide analysis of the risk for track buckling that concludes that track buckling relates to a few “weak points” along the track. To identify these, a numerical model to predict track buckling resistance is developed. The influences of key track parameters are evaluated and quantified using the innovative concept of an equivalent temperature. This allows to quantify the large influence of for example, curves and hanging sleepers in terms of an equivalent increase in temperature. Influence of less well-defined track parameters such as nearby fixed points or recent track work is estimated through statistical assessment of track buckling reports. Predicted influence generally agrees with empirical knowledge with some exceptions that are discussed in the report. Developed models and produced results should be valuable in identifying track sections at risk of track buckling and in assessing effectiveness of mitigating actions.

railway track

numerical simulations

failure reports

data analysis

parametric influence

Thermal buckling

Author

Elena Kabo

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Dynamics

Anders Ekberg

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Dynamics

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit

0954-4097 (ISSN) 20413017 (eISSN)

Vol. 238 7 786-794

Research into enhanced track and switch and crossing system 2 (In2Track-2)

Swedish Transport Administration, 2018-11-01 -- 2021-10-31.

European Commission (EC) (EC/H2020/826255), 2018-11-01 -- 2021-10-31.

IAM4RAIL

Swedish Transport Administration (2023/9635), 2023-01-01 -- 2026-02-28.

Driving research and innovation to push Europe's rail system forward (IN2TRACK3)

Swedish Transport Administration (2021/19114), 2021-01-01 -- 2023-12-31.

European Commission (EC) (EC/H2020/101012456), 2021-01-01 -- 2023-12-31.

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Areas of Advance

Transport

Subject Categories

Applied Mechanics

Infrastructure Engineering

Vehicle Engineering

DOI

10.1177/09544097241231884

More information

Latest update

8/10/2024