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Article: In track evaluation of track signal wire connections for heavy-axle-load service: researchers at TTCI study the rail-wire interface in order to find ways to keep signaling systems reliable, efficient, functional and safe.(TTCI R&D)
- Article from:
- Railway Track and Structures
- Article date:
- October 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 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)
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Reliable signaling systems are essential for safe and efficient movement of rail traffic. Reports suggest a significant number of delays related to signaling systems are due to failures at the rail-wire interface (RWI), where track wires, bond wires or propulsion-current bond wires are attached to the rails. (1), (2)
Although it is difficult to show actual costs of RWI failures, these failures contribute to train delays and additional maintenance costs for emergency and unplanned repairs. In rare instances, incorrect application of thermite-based RWI technologies has been associated with broken rails. Minimizing such failures can provide significant economic ...