With the introduction of new-generation high-speed trains on the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak faced the challenge of procuring train sets that would minimize the increase in track degradation and maintenance expenditures. As vehicle operating speeds increase, the dynamic wheel-rail impact forces on the track structure increase. High-speed passenger operations can produce significantly greater wheel-rail dynamic forces. These intense forces in turn can accelerate track degradation and component failure, requiring frequent track maintenance and increasing maintenance costs. Researchers have developed a method to evaluate potential damage and to avoid dramatic increases in track damage, degradation, and maintenance expenses in the Northeast Corridor. The method can be used to evaluate other proposed high-speed rail corridors and equipment.
Abstract