Track Structural Capacity Rating 2.0

Abstract: The paper addresses the limitations of existing track quality indices, which often focus on either track geometry or structural components but fail to provide a holistic assessment. The authors introduce the Track Structural Capacity Rating (TSCR), a new metric designed to evaluate the overall structural capacity of railroad tracks by integrating both geometry and structural components. The TSCR is divided into three categories (good, fair, and poor) and provide a color-coded assessment (green, yellow, and red) to guide maintenance efforts. The methodology involves using data from track geometry, 3D laser scanners, and ground penetrating radar (GPR) as inputs into a beam on elastic foundation (BOEF) model to rate the track. The TSCR ranking can be customizable but is currently set by the most critical feature for a specific operation, i.e., track geometry being the primary factor for low-speed, low-volume operations. This paper also presents a case study of a section of low-speed, low-volume railroad track, demonstrating the application of the TSCR. The results highlight the importance of addressing critical defects, such as tight gauge, to ensure safe operations. The study concludes that the TSCR provides a comprehensive tool for evaluating track capacity and prioritizing maintenance, offering potential cost savings and operational flexibility for lower-class tracks.