[This is a draft page]

I’ll collect here all my posts on track superstructure and try to arrange them in a logical order.

Theoretical elements

• The physics of rail thermal expansion
• Track Longitudinal Resistance
• Track Lateral Resistance
• Joint Resistance
• Free Thermal Expansion Superstructure
• Restrained Thermal Expansion Superstructure

Track Superstructure Components

• Reinforced scarf joint

• Expansion joints and adjustment switches
• Ball & claw – switch-stock rails cooperation devices

• Rerailing device
• Derailment devices and switches
• Marshaling humps
• Slab track systems
• Transition zones from slab to ballasted track
• Track superstructure for high speed track
• Maglev guideway

Jointed track

• Maximum joint expansion gap

• When a rail can be called long – gap variation diagram of the free expansion track superstructure

• Gap variation diagram of the restrained expansion track superstructure

Jointless (CWR) track

• CWR definition
• Gap variation diagram of an expansion joint
• Gap variation diagram of an adjustment switch
• White rails – painting the rail white to reduce the caloric energy and thermal stress

• Stress transition zones. CWR thermal breathing
• Stressing principles
• Buckling prevention
• The theory of track bucking

• Critical rail temperature (CRT)
• Track – bridge interaction

 

 

§j