OPTIMISATION OF TRACK STIFFNESS

Abstract

The railway track does hard work in difficult conditions. Being under the influence of mobile loads and natural phenomena, ensuring the continuity and safety of train traffic, it should serve at any time of the year, day or night. The railway track is considered as a structural system that is designed to withstand the combined effects of traffic and the environment, so that maintenance and safety costs for passengers are in the first place, and the subgrade is stable, reliable, and durable. If appropriate and timely maintenance is not carried out, speed limits may be imposed on areas of variable stiffness, which will lead to corresponding financial costs and delays for passengers and also because of the high stiffness, defects arise that shorten the life cycle of wheelsets. It is necessary to study the influence of track stiffness for the design and technical content of the railway