Second Progress Report: Evaluation of Rail Sections

The advent of continuous welded rail has raised questions as to the economic service life such rail can render when freed of the deteriorating effects of rail joints every 39 feet. To cast some light on that question, a research contract was arranged between the Burlington Northern (then the Great Northern) and the University of Illinois. The study was initiated 1 February 1968 and continued through 31 January 1970. The contract was renewed for another 12 months as of February 1 1971. Two reports have been submitted to the Burlington Northern, an evaluation of the strength capacity characteristics of various rail sections. This progress report is presented as a continuous of the rate of wear and economic evaluation of 115 and 132 continuous rail sections. Its findings are based on a more extended period of data collection that has permitted a greater number of profiles exhibiting measurable wear that should lead to a more accurate evaluation of the subject rail sections.