Superstructure Laboratory

The experiments dealing with the mechanical and physical properties of the track components such as fasteners, pads,… are performed in this laboratory. The geometrical parameters of track can also be measured by portable devices. A set of some commonly used machines used during the construction or maintenance of the railroad superstructure and also a welding apparatus (thermit method) are located for educational purposes.

  Laboratory Apparatus:

  The brief description of the laboratory apparatus are as follows:

  1- Railway track test rig

  It measures the geometrical parameters of tracks such as gauge, grade, torsion, super elevation,… .

 

 Picture(1): Railway track test rig

   2- Joint Gap Recorder

  It measures the joint gaps (the gaps between the rails) and the temperature of rails using sensors and a spot thermometer respectively.

 

  Picture(2): joint Gap Recorder    

  3- Mini-Prof Apparatus

  The apparatus is used to measure and calculate the wear of rails, wheels, brakes and switches profiles.

  Picture(3): Rail Min-Prof

  4-Single tie push test (STPT)

  Equipped with a compressive jack and a data logger, the lateral resistance of sleepers can be measured.

 Pic(6): Compressive Jack           Pic(5): LVDT Picture                 Pic(4): Data Llogger         

  5- Static Loading Apparatus of Vosslo Fasteners

  It draws the load versus displacement diagram of a Vosslo fastener during the vertical static loading process.

  Picture(7):Static Loading Apparatus of Vosslo Fasteners

  6- Static Loading Apparatus of Pads

  It draws the load - displacement or stress - strain diagrams of a pad during the vertical static loading process.

  Picture(8):Static Loading Apparatus of Pads

  7- Plasser and Theurer Tamping Machine Simulator

  It simulates the operation of the Plasser tamping machine.

  Picture(9):Tamping Machine Simulator

  Picture(10):Rail Drill

  Picture(11):Rail Splitter

  Picture(12):Fastener Screw Driver Machine

  Picture(13):Pandrol Installer

             Picture(14):Thermit Welding Apparatus                                                 Picture(15): In-situ CBR Apparatus

8- Rail fastening system cyclic test

In this test, numerous cyclic loads are applied on rail fastening system then fatigue strength and plastic deformation of fastening system are measured.

  Picture(16): Rail fastening system cyclic test device
 

9- Sleeper loading test

In this test, loads are applied on rail seat and mid-span of sleeper. Maximum load that sleeper can be sustained is measured.

 

Picture (17): Sleeper loading apparatus
 

10- Shaking table test

  In this test, shaking of structure due to earthquake is simulated.

 

Picture (18): Shaking table
 

11- Large rigid steel frame

This frame is used as a reaction frame in different tests such as plate load test (PLT). The frame can sustain intensive cyclic and monotonic loads without any damage and notable deflection.

Picture (19): Large rigid steel frame