Permanent Way and Track Technology Area

Table of contents

1. 1. Scientific Placement:
      1. Stresses in Subject Area:
      2. Projects:

Scientific Placement:

Geometric and constructive design of track superstructure and calculation of its rigidity and stability regarding static and dynamic stresses,  maintenance of track and turnout constructions as well as interactions between rails and railcars.

Stresses in Subject Area:

• Static and dynamic experiments on track and turnout constructions as well as on specific construction elements of tracks
• Measurement, analysis and evaluation of the dynamic behaviour in the rail-wheel contact and recording of influencing variables
• Diagnosis of tracks by recording all influencing variables as well as processing and evaluating information on the track and turnout geometry as precondition for the maintenance of superstructure
• Research on the reliability of permanent way constructions, on deterioration processes and parameters as well as on abrasion and durability of construction materials (i.e. permanent way constructions with less maintenance demands)

Projects:

• Subsidence measurements of turnouts on rigid slab track and on transition constructions from ballast superstructure to rigid slab track

• Measurement of elongations and longitudinal movements of turnouts on rigid slab track caused by temperature changings

1 Base ot rail outside the track
2 Base of rail inside the track
3 Upper edge of the sleeper
4 Lower edge of the sleeper
5 Upper edge of asphalt base layer
6 Lower edge of asphalt base layer (depth 30 cm)

• Measurement of subsidences and elongations of turnouts with fixed frog bedded in ballast superstructure on high speed lines

• Static and dynamic experiments on soled concrete sleepers

• Dynamic fatigue tests on clamps in cryogenic ranges up to –70°C