Effect of Design Rail Cant on Concrete Crosstie Rail Seat Pressure Distribution

Abstract

Previous research has focused on the effect of rail cant on rail wear and wheel/rail interaction, indicating that a steeper rail cant results in increased wear on rails and wheels. However, no research has investigated the effect of rail cant on the crosstie rail seat pressure distribution. Past research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) looked into the effect of negative (reverse) rail cant on pressure distribution across the rail seat utilizing matrix-based tactile surface sensors (MBTSS) on artificially created rail seat wear profile at TTC, Pueblo. These results showed that the pressure distribution became more non uniform with increasing negative rail cant. This paper looks into the effect of ‘design’ rail cant on pressure distribution across the rail seat. Static tests were carried out on 1:30 and 1:40 cant crossties imparting a predefined sequence of vertical and lateral load combinations. MBTSS and potentiometers were used to measure pressure distribution and rail rotation respectively. The 1:30 cant distributed load more evenly than 1:40 cant at lateral to vertical force ratios greater than 0.4. The two rail cants did not show significant differences in the values of average pressure, contact area, or rail rotation.

Study on the Factors Affecting the Wheel–Rail Lateral Impact of the Forepart of the Curved Switch Rail

“…The investigation of Wu et al [22] indicated that the reverse rail cant can increases the risk of a rail rollover derailment. Ghosh et al [23] studied the effect of rail cant on the stress distribution of a concrete sleeper using the method of static test. The results from the parametric study of Mojumder et al [24] indicate that the effects of the rail cant angle and rail stiffness were not high enough for crack initiation.…”