Identifying the factors influencing track degradation on the UK rail network

Clarke, S.; Prescott, Darren

Abstract

As trains traverse track, the smoothness of its vertical geometry decreases. This degradation is linked to many interrelated factors, making it difficult to identify the primary causes. Through the use of multiple layer analysis, each factor was individuated and nonparametric hypothesis tests utilised. These showed that speed, sleepers and rail joint type have the largest impact on degradation rate. Rail type was seen to be less important than discussed in the literature. The impact of bedrock was more dependent on porosity than stiffness. The importance of minimising fines in the ballast was shown by the negative effect of dirty traffic.

Citation

Clarke, S., & Prescott, D. Identifying the factors influencing track degradation on the UK rail network. Presented at Stephenson Conference : Research for Railways

• Conference Name: Stephenson Conference : Research for Railways
• End Date: Apr 27, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Feb 10, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 25, 2017
• Deposit Date: Mar 27, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/857433
• Related Public URLs: http://events.imeche.org/ViewEvent?code=C6344
• Contract Date: Mar 27, 2017