HEAVY FOUR-AXLE CARS AND THEIR MAINTENANCE OF WAY COSTS

Along with the study of maintenance of way costs, the author provides specific information relative to rail car size and rail deflection, rail stress, and rail contact pressure. The computation of rail deflection and stress is explained by providing numerical values for three rail sizes (90, 115, and 132 lb). The rail bending stresses for good, average, and bad tracks are discussed. The ties, ballast, and associated track items are taken into consideration in this study, and sketches are provided covering five cases with varying conditions for each of the items associated with the track structure. Rail-deflection and bending stress equations are given along with graphical illustrations showing the rail deflection as a function of tons capacity for car sizes. A similar treatment covering bending stresses is provided.