WHEEL/RAIL INTERACTION: A CASE STUDY

This paper describes how the dynamic interaction which occurs between the rail/wheel interface of any rail system is significantly affected by the shapes of the rails and wheels. In an effort to enhance this interaction, railways and transit systems often employ optical rail measurement systems to analyze rail profiles. The resulting data supports their efforts related to controlling noise and vibration issues, as well as improving ride quality. This information is also used in conjunction with rail grinding operations, where actual versus desired profile conditions are compared with each other in order to enhance the quality and consistency of the finished work. In 1998 the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) initiated a program to implement optical rail measurement on sits system and this paper provides insight on how MARTA implemented its rail measuring strategy over the past four years and what benefits have been obtained from its use.