Utilizing the track panel displacement method for estimating vertical load effects on the lateral resistance of continuously welded railway track

Abstract

The safe operation of continuously welded rail depends on its ability to laterally resist forces generated by vehicles. In recent decades, considerable improvement has been made in increasing the lateral resistance and stability of track. This has been achieved by using elastic rail fastenings, increasing the height and width of the ballast shoulder, and modifying the shape of the sleeper. This paper deals with the effect of the vertical load on the lateral resistance and stability of a railway track using frictional sleepers (with a ribbed underside) in comparison with conventional sleepers (with a flat underside). The test results prove that the vertical load has a significant effect on the increase in the track’s lateral resistance in both types of sleepers; however, it is more effective in the tracks with frictional sleepers.