by Jeff Tuzik Derailments have many causes. Some are fairly simple and straightforward, others involve a complex combination of factors and circumstances. Determining the root causes is what keeps derailment investigators busy, and what helps railroads avoid such derailments in the future. Over the years, and over the course of …
by Jeff Tuzik As Wheel Rail Seminars prepares to host it’s 30th annual Wheel/Rail Interaction Conference in Kansas City, it’s worthwhile to look back on how the “narrow” field of wheel/rail interaction has broadened and matured over the decades. The field of wheel/rail interaction is highly targeted; focusing on the …
by Bob Tuzik This article was originally published in Mass Transit (February 2022). SkyTrain, Vancouver’s iconic rail transit system, is a system in motion. Since the opening of the original Expo Line, named and timed to coincide with Expo 86, SkyTrain, which moves more than 115 million commuters per year pre-covid, …
by Bob Tuzik This article was originally published in Mass Transit (June 2023). Challenges abound in the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of light rail lines in urban areas. Chief among them is controlling track- and vehicle-born noise, an important part of maintaining the support of an agency’s various stakeholders, …
By Jeff Tuzik This article was originally published in Mass Transit (June 2024) in conjunction with the annual Wheel/Rail Interaction Rail Transit conference. In part 1 of this article, a group of experts, including a transit operator, three vehicle manufacturers, and a noise and vibration consultant, examined how to mitigate wheel/rail-generated noise at the …
The article discusses the challenges of vibration and noise in rail transit operations, emphasizing the importance of vehicle design and technology in mitigating these issues. Key design factors, such as unsprung mass and suspension characteristics, significantly impact performance. Strategies from experts and case studies highlight the complexities of optimizing vehicles for noise and vibration control.
Rail grinding has evolved significantly since the 1980s, with preventive grinding becoming key for rail maintenance. Eric Magel shares insights from global experiences, highlighting failures due to improper grinding methods and the importance of maintaining optimal rail profiles. Recent advancements in technology and strategies continue to alter rail grinding practices for efficiency and effectiveness.
Friction management (FM) in railroads balances necessary traction and braking against wear and noise caused by steel-on-steel friction. Effective FM requires continuous management, as shown by studies illustrating significant benefits, including fuel savings and reduced rail wear. Challenges include maintenance logistics and aging equipment, necessitating trained personnel for optimal performance.
Fabian Hansmann, Head of Marketing at Plasser & Theurer, discussed the challenges of maintaining track geometry amidst limited resources. He emphasized balancing speed, performance, and quality in maintenance practices. Proper ballast management is vital, as defects can accelerate deterioration. Effective tamping techniques significantly influence track stability, underscoring the importance of optimal maintenance strategies.
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 …