Track Quality Index for High Speed Track
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 112, Issue 1
Abstract
Railroads have long faced the problem of formulating an objective measure of track quality, termed a Track Quality Index (TQI). However, the industry has yet to formulate a standardized TQI. The Federal Railroad Administration has mandated track safety standards. These could be interpreted as the lower bound of track condition, with track design standards representing the upper bound. A Track Quality Index addresses the condition of track between these bounds. Since track geometry serves as the forcing function on a free rolling rail car, it is the logical basis for formulating a TQI. Another advantage of track geometry is its ability to be automatically measured and recorded at high speeds. Research has shown that track geometry can be represented as a periodically modulated random process. In good quality, i.e., high speed track, a significant percentage of the maintenance performed is directed towards the deterministic components. It is therefore essential to include these in a TQI for high speed track.
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References
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Bing, A., and Gross, A., “Development of a Track Quality Index,” presented at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Jan., 1983, Washington, DC.
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Copyright © 1986 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jan 1, 1986
Published in print: Jan 1986
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