On the new Alp Transit lines in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France, ballastless tracks have become more and more important.
Section: Structural Engineering
Publication Date: February 2003 Continuing privatisation is putting enormous pressure on rail operators to operate in an economically independent and competitive way. Therefore, every future-orientated rail operator is being asked to reduce costs, increase availability and improve service - without lowering required quality standards. This can only work if tight budgets and investment resources are optimally utilised. Dr Bodo Wiegand reports.
Section: Structural Engineering
Publication Date: August 2002 Ever since the bolt was invented it has been important to prevent its self-loosening. Under static loads the bolt will be kept in place thanks to the self-locking effect caused by frictional force under the head/nut and in the thread exceeding gliding forces in the pitch of the bolt. Anders Keife reports.
Section: Structural Engineering
Publication Date: August 2002 Erico has developed ERICONTACT, a new system for making quality electrical connections to the rail web. The system combines rail contacts, drilling machines and hydraulic tooling to provide a high quality connection to the rail web with a very low contact resistance (<5½).
Section: Structural Engineering
Publication Date: August 2002 prev