|
|
Article: Performance evaluation of an advanced design turnout with spiral geometry, hollow switch ties and welded heel frog: researchers hope several enhanced features on a new turnout will reduce maintenance costs while boosting performance.(TTCI R&D)
- Article from:
- Railway Track and Structures
- Article date:
- April 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
In many respects, turnouts determine the performance of the railroad, as they are the instruments of train control-the junction points that keep traffic flowing. They are a major maintenance cost. More than $200 million per year is estimated to be spent on turnout maintenance.
Initial performance evaluations of an advanced design turnout under heavy-axle-load traffic were conducted at the Transportation Technology Center's Facility for Accelerated Service Testing in 2004. This new turnout has several features intended to enhance performance and reduce maintenance under HAL traffic.
[FIGURE OMITTED]
Initial performance results from the 39-kip ...