FIELD VERIFICATION OF THE COMBINATION OF RAIL GRINDING AND BALLAST TAMPING TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF TRACK CONDITIONS

Abstract

 When trains run repeatedly on the ballasted track, the track irregularity gradually increases due to the train load. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a maintenance plan to efficiently operate limited maintenance costs and maintenance machineries, and to realize track conditions that maintain train safety and ride comfort over the medium to long term. As one of efficient track maintenance methods, combining tamping and grinding in a form of “Combined maintenance,” is expected to extend a track maintenance cycle and decrease the total cost for track maintenance activities. However, quantitative analysis and estimated modeling of the effect on this extended maintenance has so far been conducted only for Shinkansen. In this paper, we examine the effect of combined maintenance on conventional lines in order to improve the versatility of combined maintenance for practical use. In addition, we show the results of simulations of track conditions that would be realized when combined maintenance is performed on conventional lines.