Abstract
The subject of this thesis emerges from the recent track design practices where engineers are encouraged to design and maintain track to maximum Cant Deficiency to manage and control RCF. The short-term benefits of such an approach in reducing RCF have been thoroughly researched and practically determined. However, the longterm effect of the increased rail vertical and lateral loadings, as a consequence of the increased Cant Deficiency, have on thedeterioration of track geometry has not previously been researched and there is no published work directly addressing this. The work in this Thesis evaluates the effect of Cant Deficiency on differential rail loading and the resulting track geometry degradation. The research contributes to further understanding of how the increased Differential Loading (emerged from the increased Cant Deficiency) varies with rolling stock and track geometry features (such as curvature) and determines the impact it has on the Ballast Settlement and deterioration of Cant Geometry. The work presented is predominantly desktop-based research (parametric analysis), supported by various laboratory and site measurements, and maintenance data. It considers various loading
and geometry cases with an aim to determine the correlation between Cant Deficiency and Differential Loading, taking into account other factors such as curving properties of rolling stock and elastic properties of track. Practical solutions were proposed to minimise the impact on the Ballast Settlements for those cases where the Differential Loading is large enough to accelerate the deterioration of Cant geometry. These solutions are relatively easily implementable and include simple replacement of the track assets (e.g. larger rail profiles) and changes in their arrangement (sleeper spacing). A cost implication assessment was undertaken to support the claims, indicating that the proposed changes have the potential to bring financial benefits to the
maintenance of the track.
Date of Award | 11 Apr 2025 |
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Original language | English |
Supervisor | Gareth Tucker (Main Supervisor) & Adam Bevan (Co-Supervisor) |