BuckleRiskTM
Track Buckling Risk Management
The BuckleRisk model utilizes a risk factor based approach, which is applied on a segment-by-segment basis to specific track locations. These segments are defined based on “homogenous” track and traffic characteristics and as such can be as short as a tenth of a mile or an individual curve. For each such segment, a “base” risk factor is established based on the site’s temperature range and the rail’s force free or neutral temperature.
| Additional
risk factors are then developed for the segment
based on track, traffic, and related data, which
is readily available in railroad databases. These
risk factors are then added to (or subtracted
from) the base risk factor to calculate a total
risk value for each track segment or site being
analyzed. The resulting calculated risk factor is
compared against pre-defined risk thresholds for
follow up action. The overall result is an easy
to implement methodology for identifying
potential buckling risk sites on the railway. |
| The BuckleRisk
model utilizes track, traffic, and environmental
data from several sources within various railroad
and external databases. The general data
requirements include location information,
temperature data (such as US NOAA data),
installation or target installation temperatures,
track data such as rail size and type, tie type
and spacing, fastener type, ballast type,
curvature and grades, speeds and speed changes,
tonnage, bridge locations and type, turnout and
signal locations, gang and track work records,
Track Geometry Data, previous thermal incident
records, rail adjustment reports, etc. |
 |
| Application on US Class
1 railroad has shown BuckleRisk
able to successfully identify sites with high
potential for track buckling, as verified by
inspection by local railway forces or by actual
buckling incidents. BuckleRisk
has been shown to generate a manageable number of
high risk segments and as such does not place an
excessive maintenance burden on local forces.
Field applications have determined that
reasonable correlation exists between the
calculated high buckling risk values and actual
experience or field observation. |
