cen:proj:82223

Railway applications – Infrastructure – Switches and crossings for urban rail systems - Requirements for wheel/rail interaction cen:proj:82223

Scope

This Technical Specification defines the main wheel/track interaction criteria to be taken into account during the geometrical design of switches and crossings (S&C) layouts for use with Urban rail systems including metros, other systems using heavy rail wheel profiles; light rail systems and tramways using tramway wheel profiles. It will also include tram train and other systems using mixed operation wheel profiles. This includes all rail types, vignole and grooved.

It specifies:

- characterisation of wheel and track dimensions;

- geometric design principles for wheel guidance;

- design principles for wheel load transfer;

- whether movable crossings or other methods of guidance are needed.

These are illustrated by their application to turnout components:

- switches;

- crossings;

- check rails;

- grooved head;

- guard rails.

but the principles apply equally to more complex layouts, which will include segregated and street running applications. There are also simplified definitions of the safety and functional dimensions, which can be used in conjunction with the general principles as the basis for more in-depth assessment.

Note Grooved Head is known as Keeper Rail in some countries