Investigation of “Open” Superstructure Tramway Tracks in Budapest

Abstract

The most important thing nowadays is to use available resources to develop infrastructure as efficiently as possible. In this regard, evaluating the deterioration of tramway tracks is critical from both a technical and an economic viewpoint. In Hungary, seven types of superstructure systems are currently differentiated in the case of tramway transport, but the geometrical deterioration, lifecycle, and lifecycle cost of the tramway tracks are not accurately known. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the results of track geometry measurements of two different “open” tramway superstructure systems depending on their traffic load and age. The geometry measurements we re executed by TrackScan 4.01 instrument, developed and maintained by a Hungarian developer company called Metalelektro Méréstechnika Ltd. The evaluation of the measurements showed a clear relationship between the traffic load, age, and track deterioration. Based on the results, it can be generally stated, concerning “open” superstructure systems, that regardless of the “open” superstructure system or the level of traffic load, the average value of alignment is decreasing; however, the average value of the longitudinal level is increasing. Furthermore, the deterioration of an older ballasted track with lower traffic is similar to that of a younger ballasted track that has a higher traffic load. Another significant result was that the deterioration of the track gauge parameter in the case of concrete slab tracks is clearly described as the broadening of the track gauge.

Investigation of the Geometrical Deterioration of Paved Superstructure Tramway Tracks in Budapest (Hungary)

“…This article is a continuation of the authors' previous articles [1,[57][58][59]. The focus of this analysis is on paved tramway tracks.…”

“…Last but not least, the authors must mention (see Section 1) that the current paper is a continuation and supplementary article of a previously published paper [1].…”

“…The focus of this analysis is on paved tramway tracks. In January of this year, an article on open tramway tracks was prepared using nearly identical principles [1]. Paving in historic city center areas, grade crossings, and sections that can be used by road vehicles constitutes a significant portion of Budapest's tramways; therefore, this research topic must be addressed.…”

“…Section 1.3 discusses the study's innovation, significance, and setup. Last, but not least, the authors must emphasize that the current paper is the continuation and supplementary article of a previously published paper [1]. may be divided into passenger and freight transportation.…”

Influence of different factors on the value of the rail wear rate

“…The evaluation and prediction of the rolling surface damage of the point frog has been studied, which can also be applied to the rail surface to ensure proper design and maintenance of both point frogs and rails [3]. The study [4] analyses the accumulation of deviations in the geometric parameters of a tramway track as a function of the axial load, with a hard surface, which is also applicable to railway tracks when the vertical and horizontal irregularities of the track increase with the tonnage transported. The article [5] analyses the vertical and lateral rail wear and the influence of the outer rail height, the type of traction and the longitudinal profile of the track.…”