Railroad Tie Spacing Related to Wheel-Load Distribution and Ballast Pressure
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 20, Issue 4
Abstract
Currently, there is no formula for tie and direct fixation fastener (DFF) spacing. Because the rail does not bend between the tie/DFF, it is not possible to calculate spacing by the bending stress formula. Usually, rail-stress analysis confirms a trial spacing. Such analysis may support a longer spacing that might not address issues related to load distribution, pressure on formation, torsional rigidity, noise, and vibration. Thus, tie spacing is formulated from the perspective of wheel-load distribution and load dispersion by ballast, considering the fact that ties under the Benkel beam support the vertical load. The DFF/tie spacing is related to the characteristic length of the track, and this study shows that the desired DFF/tie spacing should be less than the characteristic length. Codes and practical examples validate spacing formulated for DFFs, concrete ties, and wood ties.
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References
Agarwal, M. M. (2002). Indian railway track, Prabha & Co., Delhi, India.
American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). (2013). Manual for railway engineering, Lanham, MD.
Esveld, C. (2001). Modern railway technology, MRT-Productions, Zaltbommel, Netherlands.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). (2008). “Title 49.” Code of federal regulations, Railway Educational Bureau, Omaha, NE.
Lichtberger, B. (2005). Track compendium—Formation, permanent way, maintenance, economics, Eurailpress, Hamburg, Germany.
Information & Authors
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Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 20 • Issue 4 • November 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 3, 2013
Accepted: Aug 1, 2014
Published online: Sep 5, 2014
Published in print: Nov 1, 2015
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