Effect of Adjacent Poor Ties on Wood Crosstie Life

Railroad cross-ties (sleepers) are a key component of the track structure and play an important role in the distribution of train loading through the track. Automated cross-tie inspections, which are becoming increasingly significant in the inspection of the cross-ties, are important in planning and optimizing tie replacement. Furthermore, the data these inspections provide on tie condition enable maintenance engineers to better understand the behavior of the ties and their associated life. By using inspection data taken from the same track in different years, it is possible to develop improved tie life models that take into account local conditions. Using these different tie conditions, and the corresponding different periods in the lifespan of a tie, this activity will determine average tie life using mathematical modeling techniques, such as piecewise reconstruction. It will also develop a model that shows how the probability of tie failure grows over time and changes depending on the loss of adjacent support. The dataset to be used consists of tie inspection data for inspections carried out on the same track during the period 2016 to 2019. Ties are grouped based on their adjacent tie condition. Data analytic tools will be used to predict and model tie life based on support condition, as defined by the condition of adjacent cross-ties. The analysis approaches will be based on the use of tie condition data from two different inspections performed over a span of years.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $180000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747132

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Delaware, Newark

  Department of Civil Engineering
  301 DuPont Hall
  Newark, DE  United States  19716
• Project Managers:

  Zarembski, Allan

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Delaware, Newark

  Department of Civil Engineering
  301 DuPont Hall
  Newark, DE  United States  19716
• Principal Investigators:

  Zarembski, Allan

• Start Date: 20190201
• Expected Completion Date: 20230930
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Failure; Inspection; Mathematical models; Railroad ties; Service life
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01762030
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: University Transportation Center on Improving Rail Transportation Infrastructure Sustainability and Durability
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747132
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jan 7 2021 11:28PM