UIC/ORE EXPERIENCE IN MEASURING AND ASSESSING TRACK FATIGUE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF INCREASING AXLE LOADS

This paper summarizes the experience of several European railroads concerning the interaction of vehicle and track parameters and component wear and ride quality. The importance of proper wheel and rail profiles, modern running gear, good track geometry, and direct measurement of the wheel/rail interaction are stressed as prerequisites for implementation of increase in axle load and speed.