Impact of Car Loads on Rail Defect Occurrences

Abstract

Rail defect data gathered from different sites with widely varying loading environments were analyzed with respect to defect occurrence trends. The principal loading characteristic investigated was the predominant car capacity, which determined the wheel loads and the subsequent loading of the rail. Results show that the more severe the car loading, the earlier in rail life the defects occur. A secondary loading characteristic investigated was the effects of curvature. Results were mixed, indicating that other factors also need to be considered.