Breadcrumb Links:

Insulated Rail Joints

Insulated JointsProject Manager:

Scott Simson

Sponsor Organisations:

  • CRC for Rail innovation
  • QR
  • RailCorp
  • ARTC

Partner Research Organisations:

QUT, UoW

Project Leader in CRC:

A/Prof M. Dhanasekar, QUT

Staff Members:

  • Paul Boyd
  • Hossein Askarenajad

Objectives

The project aims to examine the structural and electrical integrity of the new generation joints through lab and field tests prior to providing guidelines for revised dimensions and tolerances in manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

Tasks

CQU will develop a model for degradation of track in the vicinity of rail joints (due to impact) - current degradation models consider high cycle fatigue or longer term effects only.

CQU will conduct the Lab and field testing of new generation joints.

Background

The current design of insulated rail joints is characterised by high maintenance and low life relative to continuously welded rails.

Through the research conducted by the previous Rail CRC, it was identified that the primary failure mechanisms of joint bar cracking and railhead metal flow is wheel impact in the vicinity of end posts.

Outcomes

The project will deliver a best practice manual, guidelines for manufacturing and site installation in addition to providing submissions to the relevant Australian standard. 

By enhancing the service life of these joints, the frequency of maintenance interventions can be minimised and hence contribute to the rail industry's infrastructure design and capacity. The project will benefit have primary focus on heavy haul rail network.