Railway Track Maintenance and Infrastructure Guide

Posted on Mar 15, 2025 in Technology

Railway Track Maintenance and Infrastructure

A-Detachments in the Trenches

  1. Massive Landslides: Slope stabilization measures.
  2. Slope Walls: Construction and reinforcement.
  3. Protective Coating: Application of protective layers.
  4. Network Reinforcements: Shotcrete application.
  5. Rockfall Barriers: Installation of rockfall protection.
  6. Jetty or Berm Placement: Strategic placement for erosion control.
  7. Artificial Tunnels: Construction for track protection.

B-Breaks and Falls on Walls

  1. Wall Reconstruction: Demolition and rebuilding of walls.
  2. Massive Landslides: Addressing underlying causes.

C-Flood Mitigation

  1. Regular Cleaning: Routine maintenance to prevent blockages.
  2. Drainage Improvement: Expansion and deepening of drainage ditches.
  3. Increased Drainage: Adding more drainage points.

D & E-Decomposition of Clays and Soil

  1. Drainage Systems: Installation of subsurface drains.
  2. Platform and Side Improvement: Enhancing stability.
  3. Surface Treatments: Soil stabilization and gutter redesign.

F-Cutting and Sinking Embankments

  1. Riprap: Installation of rock armor.
  2. Retaining Walls: Construction of retaining structures.
  3. Rail-Drainage: Improving drainage along the tracks.
  4. Embankment Reconstruction: Repairing and reinforcing embankments.

Rail Components and Functions

Rail Functions

  1. Support and Transmission: Transferring loads to the substructure.
  2. Guidance: Directing wheel movement.
  3. Conductivity: Signaling and traction electricity return.

Rail Parts

Vignole Rail Head

  • Weight: 40% of total rail weight.
  • Height: 50+ mm (allowing for wear). Wear rate: 1mm/100,000 train passages in tunnels.
  • Width: 60-70 mm (lateral attrition).
  • Pumping: R = 300 (flat rolling issues).
  • Inclined Faces: Avoid contact with rail fasteners (1/20 slope).
  • Inclined Plane 2: Connection between head and web (1/2, 75 slope).

Web

  • Weight: 20% of total rail weight.
  • Thickness: 15-17 mm (shear and corrosion resistance).
  • Form: Wider at joints, concave for transverse stress.

Foot

  • Weight: 40% of total rail weight.
  • Width: Horizontal plane stiffness.
  • Form: Thick wings for mechanical requirements and mass balance.

Advantages of Ballastless Track (BLS)

  1. Improved Passenger Comfort
  2. Longer Useful Life
  3. Enhanced Component Durability
  4. Better Load Distribution and Speed on Complex Geometry
  5. Consistent Track Geometry
  6. Energy and Cost Savings
  7. Reduced Maintenance (Wear)
  8. Fewer Track Breaks

Legal Protection of Railway Land

Explanation: Railway land is designed to contain all railway facilities and is considered public land. It includes the railway line, its functional elements, and a strip of 8 meters on each side for operational purposes. Only activities of general public interest are allowed with prior authorization. The railway owner may authorize use of the area for reasons of general interest or improved service (e.g., material collection, emergency vehicle access).

The LOTT (Land Transport Planning Law) defines 3 zones of protection:

  1. Public Domain: No activity, work, or installation of any kind allowed. Extends 8m from earthworks.
  2. Easement: Activities authorized by ADIF (Administrator of Railway Infrastructure). Extends 20m from the esplanade.
  3. Affected Area: Requires permission, unless conditions are met. Extends 50m from the esplanade.

Track Gauge

Gauge: The measured distance between the inner faces of the rails, 15mm below the rolling plane.

Advantages of Narrow Gauge

  1. Economy: Reduced land movement.
  2. Smaller Radius Curves: Less land required.
  3. Narrower Platform Width: Reduced clearing and embankment volume.
  4. Lower Cornering Resistance: Allows for steeper ramps.
  5. Steeper Ramps: Suitable for tunnels and bridges.
  6. Economical Rolling Stock
  7. Smaller Profile: Reduced ballast, sleepers, and rails.

Disadvantages of Narrow Gauge

  1. Lower Operating Traffic Capacity
  2. Lower Velocity (Stability)
  3. Higher Operating Ratio
  4. Difficulty Linking to Standard Gauge Networks

Solutions for Gauge Differences

  1. Network-Wide Gauge Reduction: Very expensive.
  2. Third Rail: Problems with crossings and asymmetrical loads.
  3. Variable Gauge Vehicles:
    • Interchangeable Axles: Axles are removed and replaced.
    • Bogie Exchange: Bogies are replaced.
    • TALGO RD System: Fast and easy axle adjustment.