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Identifying the factors influencing track degradation on the UK rail network

Clarke, S.; Prescott, Darren

Authors

S. Clarke



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. (2017). Identifying the factors influencing track degradation on the UK rail network.

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