Currently browsing category
Heavy Haul
Protected: The Theory & The Praxis: An Introduction to Wheel/Rail Interaction. Part 1.
Developing an Efficient Corrective and Preventive Rail Grinding Program on Mozambique’s Nacal Logistics Corridor
By Jeff Tuzik Sometimes it’s easy to tell that a rail needs maintenance. Excessive rail wear, surface damage, profile degradation, and other issues are unsubtle, if severe enough. But knowing that rail grinding is in order isn’t the same as knowing where to start. Developing and implementing a grinding program …
Optimizing Preventive Rail Grinding on India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors
By Jeff Tuzik In India, rail freight traffic is increasing rapidly. To accommodate the growth, the government has funded and overseen the ongoing construction of dedicated freight corridors in high-traffic-density regions. For the two corridors now in operation, there is a new focus on developing and implementing an optimal rail …
Assessing the Findings of a Derailment Investigation: Was the Right Cause Found?
by Jeff Tuzik The Great Dismal Swamp. An ominous name. And in June of 2019, it was the site of a Norfolk Southern derailment. At NS, all derailments are investigated to determine the cause(s) and to provide data that could help prevent future incidents. Brad Kerchof, formerly Director of Research …
A Culture of Change: How the Railroad Industry Can Embrace an Evolving World
Corina Moore, a transformative leader in the railway industry, successfully revitalized Ontario Northland by fostering a culture of change, diversity, and continuous improvement. Moore emphasized the importance of employees’ voices and collaboration across generations to drive innovation. Her leadership approach has enhanced organizational performance and sustainability within the sector.
Examining the Role of Wheel/Rail Interaction in a Unit Train Derailment
George Fowler, a veteran investigator, analyzed the 2016 Grey derailment involving a Canadian National train, highlighting that derailments often stem from combined vehicle and track factors. His investigation revealed issues like track geometry, maintenance, and vehicle dynamics, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluations to prevent such incidents in the future.
New Approaches to Dynamic Wheel Force Measurement – Part 2
The article discusses advancements in wheel condition monitoring technologies, particularly by Mermec and MxV Rail. Various methods, including optical and strain gauge systems, gather data on dynamic forces and out-of-roundness. Enhanced systems promise improved predictions of hunting behavior and overall wheel integrity, increasingly complementing traditional inspection techniques in railways.
MRS Logística: A History of Innovation and Optimization
by Jeff Tuzik Some challenges in the railroad industry are local, some are universal. Brazil’s MRS Logística has met its share of both. Their efforts to maintain, modernize, and optimize their network over the past 30 years highlight the importance of approaching all challenges from a system-wide perspective, and of …
Under-Tie Pads: Resilient Materials Make an Impact
by Jeff Tuzik Areas of track that are subject to high impacts and dynamic loadings, such as turnouts, diamond crossings and other special trackwork, bridges and bridge approaches, high-degree curves, and highway/rail grade crossings are challenging to manage. Maintenance requires attention, resources, and significant ongoing investment. With more than 30,000 …