Development of the track structural capacity rating (TSCR) and example use case for low volume railroad track

Many indices have been developed to objectively quantify railroad track quality and condition. The two most common index classifications are the track geometry index (TGI), including parameters such as profile, twist, gauge, and alignment and the track structure index (TSI), which accounts for the condition of track structural components including the rail, crosstie, fastening systems, subgrade, and drainage systems. This separation fails to provide a comprehensive assessment of railroad track performance within a single metric. To reduce this gap and present a comprehensive metric, this thesis introduces the Track Structural Capacity Rating (TSCR). The TSCR is a holistic index that quantitatively evaluates track condition by integrating superstructure and substructure parameters according to the desired level of service for train operations. The components included within the TSCR were selected based on the primary causes of derailments in low-speed, low-volume operations that were determined by a review of accident data. The TSCR methodology is adaptable and can be tailored to suit other track use scenarios that support higher speed trains or have higher cumulative tonnage. By combining data on track geometry, component and substructure conditions, the TSCR is visualized through a color-coded map, enabling the identification of regions requiring maintenance for both short- and long-term operational strategies. The TSCR index and methodology for objectively quantifying track capacity for transporting loads can enhance track operational capability by facilitating improved maintenance planning and resource allocation.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Rezende Alves, Vitor

Contributors dc:contributor

• Edwards, John Riley

• Track Quality Index
• Track Structure Index
• Track Inspection
• Track Health
• Railway Safety

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Vitor Rezende Alves

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127519

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F127519