TY - GEN
T1 - Analysis of the relationship between rail seat load distribution and rail seat deterioration in concrete crossties
AU - Greve, Matthew
AU - Dersch, Marcus S.
AU - Edwards, J. Riley
AU - Barkan, Christopher P.L.
AU - Mediavilla, Jose
AU - Wilson, Brent M.
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - One of the most common failure modes of concrete crossties in North America is the degradation of the concrete surface at the crosstie rail seat, also known as rail seat deterioration (RSD). Loss of material beneath the rail can lead to wide gauge, rail cant deficiency, and an increased risk of rail rollover. Previous research conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has identified five primary failure mechanisms: abrasion, crushing, freeze-thaw damage, hydro-abrasive erosion, and hydraulic pressure cracking. The magnitude and distribution of load applied to the rail seat affects four of these five mechanisms; therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of the rail seat load distribution to effectively address RSD. As part of a larger study funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) aimed at improving concrete crossties and fastening systems, researchers at UIUC are attempting to characterize the loading environment at the rail seat using matrix-based tactile surface sensors (MBTSS). This instrumentation technology has been implemented in both laboratory and field experimentation, and has provided valuableinsight into the distribution of a single load over consecutive crossties. A review of past research into RSD characteristics and failure mechanisms has been conducted to integrate data from field experimentation with existing knowledge, to further explore the role of the rail seat load distribution on RSD. The knowledge gained from this experimentation will be integrated with associated research conducted at UIUC to form the framework for a mechanistic design approach for concrete crossties and fastening systems.
AB - One of the most common failure modes of concrete crossties in North America is the degradation of the concrete surface at the crosstie rail seat, also known as rail seat deterioration (RSD). Loss of material beneath the rail can lead to wide gauge, rail cant deficiency, and an increased risk of rail rollover. Previous research conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has identified five primary failure mechanisms: abrasion, crushing, freeze-thaw damage, hydro-abrasive erosion, and hydraulic pressure cracking. The magnitude and distribution of load applied to the rail seat affects four of these five mechanisms; therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of the rail seat load distribution to effectively address RSD. As part of a larger study funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) aimed at improving concrete crossties and fastening systems, researchers at UIUC are attempting to characterize the loading environment at the rail seat using matrix-based tactile surface sensors (MBTSS). This instrumentation technology has been implemented in both laboratory and field experimentation, and has provided valuableinsight into the distribution of a single load over consecutive crossties. A review of past research into RSD characteristics and failure mechanisms has been conducted to integrate data from field experimentation with existing knowledge, to further explore the role of the rail seat load distribution on RSD. The knowledge gained from this experimentation will be integrated with associated research conducted at UIUC to form the framework for a mechanistic design approach for concrete crossties and fastening systems.
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U2 - 10.1115/JRC2014-3775
DO - 10.1115/JRC2014-3775
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84902839309
SN - 9780791845356
T3 - 2014 Joint Rail Conference, JRC 2014
BT - 2014 Joint Rail Conference, JRC 2014
PB - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
T2 - 2014 Joint Rail Conference, JRC 2014
Y2 - 2 April 2014 through 4 April 2014
ER -