Speakers and Topics: Heavy Haul Seminars Sessions Abstract

Topic: FRA Concrete Crosstie Regulation and Rail Cant Application

Presenter: Arthur Clouse

Company: FRA

Abstract:

In an ongoing effort to address safety concerns in the railroad industry, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Automated Track Inspection Program has implemented a rail profile measurement system capable of accurately calculating the rail cant angle. The rail cant angle can be instrumental in identifying serious problems with the rail / crosstie interface such as rail seat deterioration, ineffective fasteners, plate cutting, missing / worn tie pads, and rail / tie plate misalignment. Early identification of rail / crosstie interface deterioration is critical to control gage widening, and in extreme cases, rail rollover derailment prevention.

This paper discusses an overview of the FRA concrete crosstie final rule published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2011. Specifically, the paper addresses FRA’s safety approach, the automated technology, and the handtools to identify and measure locations that vary from nominal rail cant.