Experimental studies to determine the total lateral forces in curved sections of track with sleepers of standard size 1 526 mm

Abstract

This work is devoted to the analysis of the results of experimental studies of train movement along track sections with sleepers of standard size 1 526 mm. Such sleepers, as a pilot experiment, have been used on the East Siberian Railway in curves with a radius of less than 350 m since 2016. In theory, the use of sleepers of this standard size will reduce the intensity of widening of the rail track. In addition, the analysis of labor costs for the current maintenance of the track in such sections showed a decrease. The purpose of the experimental studies was to determine the actual external loads acting from the rolling stock on the rails, depending on the axle load. The Schlumpf method was used to measure the deformation loads of the rail in a given section or on a very short section of the rail. The lateral forces influencing the state of the track width were determined. After the approximation, the curves of the lateral forces were obtained depending on the axial loads. In order to confirm the reliability of the experimental results, theoretical calculations were carried out. A comparison of the results of theoretical and experimental studies of the interaction of the elements of the rail grating under train load shows that the methods and algorithms for determining forced vibrations of rails objectively reflect reality and are quite suitable for practical use. To confirm the theoretical assumptions put forward about the reliability of sleepers of 1 526 mm gauge, it is necessary to conduct similar experimental studies for sleepers of 1520 and 1530 mm gauge.