Improving the Quality and Durability of Track Geometry Correction for 160+ mph High Speed Rail Operations
(Room Sagamore 6)
19 Sep 17
2:30 PM
-
3:00 PM
Tracks:
AREMA Technical Sessions- P&T
As the maximum speed of high speed rail operations in the U.S. increases to 160 mph and above, there is a need to improve the quality and durability of track geometry correcting maintenance for ballasted track. The challenge can be met with a two-fold approach: (1) improving the geometry correction quality by using more advanced controlling software on maintenance machines that is capable of correcting geometry deviations over a wide range of wavelengths up to hundreds of feet in length and (2), improving the geometry correction durability by using maintenance methods that minimize or compensate for the disturbance and loosening of ballast with tamping and the sudden reappearance of the geometry error with ballast compaction from resumed traffic. The authors are aware of at least two improved software programs that have demonstrated their ability to, for example, correct lateral alignment geometry error with wavelengths up to several hundred feet in track length, while only requiring minimal lateral throws in curves. Similarly there are at least two geometry correction methods that have been shown to provide a much more durable correction lasting several times longer than conventional tamping. With these improved techniques high speed rail operators can have confidence that ballasted track can achieve and maintain the tight tolerances required for track Classes 8 and 9 for safety, while also improving ride quality by removing geometry error with wavelengths as large as 500 feet or more.