Industry Research and Development to Improve Turnout Performance
(Room M 100 C)
24 Sep 19
2:00 PM
-
2:30 PM
Tracks:
AREMA Technical Sessions By Functional Group- Track, Technical Sessions By Day- Tuesday
An analysis of railroad data on train delays (from dispatcher help desk tickets) and survey responses from frontline maintenance-of-way and signal department employees was performed as part of the Association of American Railroads Strategic Research Initiative on Special Trackwork. By soliciting feedback from frontline employees, and cross-referencing that with help desk data, work to address the most common special-trackwork failure modes encountered is underway. Some of these failure modes include foundation issues, excessive longitudinal rail movement, worn/broken components, defective timbers, and snow/ice related failures. These maintenance requirements make turnouts in heavy axle load environments among the more expensive concerns. The paper will describe the failure modes identified, and the research and development underway, to reduce/eliminate these failure modes. Revenue service tests on special trackwork foundations are underway at multiple North American test locations, and research on turnout failures and performance in cold weather climates also is underway. *Missed this Session or want to view it again? Stop by the VirtualAREMA kiosk located in the Registration area to purchase this product today!