U.S. Transit Track Restraining Rail. Volume I: Study of Requirements and Practices

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Centerhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15272181981PDFTech ReportCunney, Edward G.Yang, Ta-LunENSCOUnited States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited StatesBenefit cost analysisData collectionDurability testsEconomic analysisGuardrailsLubricationMaintenanceMaintenance of way carsRapid transitRail (Railroads)Railroad tracksStructural designWearTrack designDOT-TSC-UMTA-81-63.1;UMTA-MA-06-0100-81-6DOT-TSC-1771This report covers a study of restraining rails in transit track, which is part of the current research program of UMTA and was initiated: (1) to assist in the analysis, design, and maintenance and operation of transit track; (2) to compile guidelines for the use of restraining rails; and (3) to devise concepts for possible improvements. This report, Volume I, describes current practices in the use of restraining rails and provides data from rail lubrication tests. It evaluates the benefits of alternative practices, presents concepts for advanced designs, discusses simplified analysis of the costs and benefits of restraining rail installations, recommends the design and fabrication of modifications and new concepts, and recommends tests to obtain additional information for improvements in track adjustment and practices in order to reduce rail wear.138