Experimental Determination of Track Friction Coefficients

Cordes, Roger; Peña, Curtis; Allen, David H.

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Experimental Determination of Track Friction Coefficients

2025-09-30
By Cordes, Roger ; Peña, Curtis ; Allen, David H.

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Cordes, Roger ; Peña, Curtis ; Allen, David H.
Corporate Creators:

Texas Transportation Institute. University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
Corporate Contributors:

United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Subject/TRT Terms:

Coefficient Of Friction Evaluation Experiments Finite Element Method Friction Gravel Properties Of Materials Railroad Ties Railroad Tracks Sliding Friction Testing Track Ballast
Publication/ Report Number:

UTCRS-TAMU-I5CY24
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

United States
Edition:

June 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025
Corporate Publisher:

Texas Transportation Institute. University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
Abstract:

The sliding friction resistance between rail crossties and ballast material was examined. Testing focusing on the equivalent (or average) coefficient of friction spread over the crosstie contact area was performed for high density polyethylene (HDPE) smooth and dimpled crossties as well as for dry and wet wood crossties. Ballast rock included common gravel and two supplied types. The ballast shapes were characterized as were the compressive properties of the ties (in compression perpendicular to the wood, both dry and wet). Indentation tests and finite element models were used to verify the compressive properties and to examine the effect of friction for a direct indention as well as an indention followed by lateral movement, akin to what a crosstie may see when subjected to lateral forces. The results present initial findings relating to material properties and friction properties that could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of crosstie-ballast lateral resistance in different situations, and methods to improve the resistance.
Format:

PDF
Funding:

69A3552348340
Collection(s):

University Transportation Centers
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:dc46202486086e581f7134d1550e399854861b36ae69e44a01d7be6e506e7dc46ea5ba49c5ebb6a408913d3fb244f07a74af758aed301cbfbd9170616a2736d3
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/88688/dot_88688_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 5.12 MB ]

File Language:

English

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