Title Analysis of rail grinding tests and implications for corrective and preventative grinding
Author Kalousek, J
Sroba, P
Hegelund, C
Conference 4th International Heavy Haul Conference, Railways in action, 11-15 September 1989, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Publication Date 1989
Location Server
ARRB library
Abstract Tests on North American heavy haul track have shown that grinding rail with grinding machines in a preventive mode rather than a corrective mode reduces the overall volume of steel removed from the rail head throughout the life of the rail. The rail lasts longer and the total rail costs and grinding costs are reduced. The optimal amount of material removal from the rail head is dependent onthe rail fatigue crack initiation and propagation rate. Worn rail needs extra grinding to remove the fatigue cracks before it can be ground in a preventive mode. Tests established rail profiles for curves and tangent track which are suitable for heavy haul railways using a mixture of new and worn Heumann and AAR wheel profiles. These profiles will minimize contact stress and yet permit a considerable degree of wheel set steering. Grinding stones of varying grit size were tested and the effects of martensite were investigated.
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IHHA 1989_Kalousek
Subjects Rail transport
Railway track
Maintenance
Cracking
Wear
Heavy vehicle