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High-speed rail tracks are designed to accommodate trains that travel at much higher speeds than traditional trains. There is no standard classification for them, but these trains typically travel at speeds of over 100 mph. Many countries in Europe and Asia have utilized high-speed railway networks for more efficient ground-based transportation. The first country to implement a high-speed rail system was Japan in 1964, with its world-famous “bullet train”. 

In the United States, new high-speed railways are being built, such as the Brightline in Florida and Amtrak’s nationwide railway network. Companies like R&S Track Maintenance are helping build high-speed railways in the Midwest to give Americans another mode of long-distance transportation. To support these high speeds, the tracks must be built differently than freight tracks. 

What Makes High-Speed Rails Go Fast?

The speed at which a train can travel is usually limited to the type of track it’s on. Because of this, high-speed trains can not share the same tracks as freight trains. To exceed speeds of over 100 mph, many trains must travel through overhead electrical power rather than diesel. Electric power is used for several reasons, it gives the train greater control of acceleration and deceleration, is quieter than a diesel engine, and is more energy efficient than diesel fuel. 

If high-speed tracks are going to compete with other forms of long-distance travel, they need to be able to transport people quicker than driving or flying. In order for a train to maintain its speed, the track needs to be built mostly straight and flat. Additionally, these tracks need to have minimal stoppages so the train can travel at its top speed for a significantly long distance. To do this, dedicated high-speed tracks need to have fewer train stops at a very long distance apart. 

How is High-Speed Railroad Construction Different?

Track Alignment

Unlike freight lines, high-speed rails can not have many tight turns or changes in elevation. So, they are normally built in a straight line and have longer curves to maintain high speeds. This helps reduce friction, energy consumption, and wear on the train components. 

Track Gauge

Similar to freight trains, high-speed trains normally operate on standard gauge (width) tracks, which are about 4 feet 8.5 inches wide. But these tracks are well-maintained with exceptional precision to ensure smooth train operation. 

Bolted vs. Welded Rails

The traditional method of joining segments of rails is to bolt them together using metal fishplates, producing jointed tracks. For high-speed trains, the rails are welded together to form a continuous welded rail. At R&S Track Maintenance, we use thermit welding to create tracks that are much stronger and need less maintenance than traditional rails. 

Maintenance

To ensure safety and performance standards are met, high-speed tracks need to be inspected and maintained very often. R&S can keep your tracks running smoothly with our general maintenance services. 

High-Speed Rail Construction in the Midwest

R&S Track Maintenance has been serving the track maintenance and railroad construction needs of the Midwest for over 30 years. Contact us at 402-563-2350 for more information.

Welding is a useful process that can help join two pieces of metal together. There are several different methods of welding that cater to different applications. One popular type is known as thermit welding. This process uses molten metal to bind one piece of metal to another. But how exactly does it work, and what are its real-world applications? 

R & S Track Maintenance is here to explain the process of thermit welding, and how it can be used to improve the safety of your city’s railway system. 

How Does Thermit Welding Work? 

Thermit welding, also known as thermite welding or exothermic welding, is a process used to join two pieces of metal together by creating a chemical reaction that produces intense heat. The heat in this reaction can rise to temperatures up to 4500 F. This heat is generated by a chemical reaction between a mixture of powdered metal oxide, which is usually iron, and a reducing agent, which is normally aluminum. The reaction releases a tremendous amount of heat, and the high temperature causes the surrounding metal to melt and fuse together with the other piece. 

What Are the Applications of Thermit Welding? 

Thermit welding has several different applications. It is often used for heavy industrial projects where a reliable and strong joint is required, such as connecting metal plates, pipelines, structural steel, and more. This process is used for welding the hulls of ships, by connecting thick metal plates to each other. This process is also widely used to weld railway rails together. 

Is Thermit Welding Safe? 

While effective, thermit welding can be slower than other methods of welding such as flash butt welds. It is also a dangerous and messy process due to the immense amount of heat and molten metal created from the exothermic reaction. Special facial and bodily protection are always needed for the job. Additionally, this process releases hazardous materials like aluminum and iron oxide, which can be harmful to humans and the environment if they are not disposed of. So, thermit welding requires careful handling and the right training for the project to be done safely and properly. That is why the trained professionals at R & S Track Maintenance are the best people for the job.

Keep Your Railroads Safe with R & S Track Maintenance, Inc 

Expert railroad track maintenance is critical for ensuring safe, dependable, and efficient train operations. R&S Track can lengthen the lifespan of track infrastructure through frequent inspections, track cleaning, ballast maintenance, rail grinding, thermit welding and scheduled maintenance. We provide customized railroad track construction services in the Midwest region, certified by the Railroad Industry Association, ensuring safe and secure rides for passengers and freight. To see the results of our track maintenance and other railroad projects, please visit our gallery. We also provide services for consulting, surveying, project designing, track rehabilitation, new track construction, derailment services, and more. Contact R&S Track Maintenance today for safe and reliable railway systems.

Railway tracks are crucial for transportation infrastructure, requiring meticulous engineering for stability and safety. This blog shows how understanding the complex process of creating railroad tracks by R&S Track Maintenance, Inc. can help build more efficient transportation links.

Overview of railroad track manufacturing

Railroad track manufacturing involves steel components, forming continuous rails, cutting, aligning, and gauging for safe travel.

R&S Track Maintenance provides reliable, comprehensive railway track construction services, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

So, How Are Railroad Tracks Made? Step-by-step construction process

Here is the step-by-step construction process for railway tracks:

• Pre-construction preparations

Preliminary engineering assesses topography before laying steel rails, identifies obstacles like hillsides, and determines stability needs for specific areas.

Surveys are crucial for the safe and efficient construction of railway tracks, providing detailed information on underground areas, grade levels, and potential tunnels or bridges.

Permits from local and state authorities are crucial for legally constructing private property on railroads, as illegal work without proper authorization could result in costly fines if not addressed beforehand. 

• Laying bottom ballast

The bottom ballast layer on railroad tracks ensures stability and safety by spreading crushed rock evenly at a specific angle, ensuring levelness and flatness before tamping and inspecting.

Experienced workers use specialized tools like laser levels, surveying rods, and line-marking machines to ensure correct ballast placement and check for ground dips and rises to prevent impeded progress and safety issues.

The ballast is then inspected for unevenness before installing steel rails, correcting issues, and installing braces for security and shock and vibration resistance.

• Anchorage

Anchorage is crucial in railroad track construction, ensuring secure ground connections and resistance to heavy train loads. Rail anchors are driven into the ballast, while rail braces connect multiple tracks for a secure bond.

Surface plates distribute train weight evenly across the track, consisting of two flat metal surfaces forming a bridge-like shape, preventing excessive wear and tear from heavy trainloads.

Thermite welding is used as a strong process for joining track sections, heating steel to liquid, and pressing them together, ensuring a stable connection.

• Steel rail installation

Steel rails are crucial on railroad tracks, connecting two bars with metal clips. A track gauge measures the gap between rails, ensuring accurate spacing and addressing irregularities before they cause issues.

Rail on ballast is secured using spikes or clips, driven into wooden ties, or bolts and nuts to form a single line, reducing wear and smoothing track curves.

Regular inspections by R&S Track Maintenance ensure no discrepancies and prompt corrective action for unevenness or misalignment to prevent harm or disruptions to train services.

• Top ballast

The top ballast layer on railway tracks ensures stability and cushioning for trains, typically made of crushed stone, gravel, or aggregate. Its angular stones interlock, compact, and spread the load, preventing deformation.

Top ballast acts as drainage, preventing erosion and washouts, providing cushioning for trains, preventing vibrations, and ensuring safety for passengers and cargo.

R&S Track Maintenance uses specialized tools like laser levels, surveying, and line-marking machines for efficient material distribution, with inspections crucial for irregularities.

• Rail anchor and rail brace

Rail anchors and rail braces are crucial components in railroad track construction, ensuring a solid foundation and preventing unstable and unsafe tracks for trains.

Rail braces, or splice bars, connect track sections, ensuring stability and preventing shifting due to train vibrations. Using specialized tools, regular inspections, and the replacement of rail anchors and braces are essential for track safety and stability.

Rail anchor and brace placement is crucial for the tracks’ safety. Place rail anchors near tie plates to distribute tension, and splice bars at least one foot beyond joint ends to distribute tension evenly.

R&S Track Maintenance’s engineers consider lateral movement sources on railroad tracks, incredibly steep grades, or curves. Installing flexible ties near switch points reduces stress on rails and ties during transitions between terrain or speed zones.

Why choose R&S Track Maintenance, Inc.?

R&S Track Maintenance, Inc. provides customized railroad track construction services, certified by the Railroad Industry Association, ensuring safe and secure rides for passengers and freight.

Our company ensures quality results through precise measurements, secure fastening methods, and regular maintenance services to prevent costly issues and ensure long-lasting, stable tracks. We provide services for consulting, surveying, project designing, track rehabilitation, new track construction, track inspections, maintenance, thermite welding, CWR, derailment services, etc. Contact R&S Track for safe and reliable railway systems.

Railroads play a vital role in transportation, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and passengers. The maintenance of railroad tracks is crucial for safe and reliable operations. This article highlights the best practices in railroad track maintenance that contribute to lasting results. R&S Track implements these practices to enhance track safety, extend the lifespan of tracks, and minimize disruptions to operations. Let’s delve into the key aspects of effective track maintenance and explore the strategies that ensure the longevity of railway infrastructure.

Regular Inspections and Monitoring:

Regular inspections are critical for identifying possible problems and evaluating the general condition of the track. Visual inspections, along with new technologies such as track geometry vehicles and drones, allow maintenance workers to spot track flaws, alignment issues, and indicators of wear. Railway operators may prevent small problems from growing into significant track failures by conducting planned inspections and swiftly resolving any found concerns, guaranteeing safe and efficient train operations.

Track Cleaning and Ballast Maintenance:

Cleaning the track properly is critical for eliminating dirt, plants, and other objects that might obstruct drainage or damage track stability. Regular cleaning activities, such as the removal of dirt, sand, and leaves, avoid debris accumulation, which can lead to track deterioration or blockages. Furthermore, constant tamping and adjusting of the ballast (a layer of crushed stone that supports the track) helps guarantee optimum drainage, stability, and weight distribution along the track. 

Rail Grinding and Welding:

The frequent movement of trains on the rail surfaces can produce wear and tear over time, resulting in surface imperfections or faults. Rail grinding is a good way to restore the rail profile, remove flaws, and minimize noise and vibration. Railway operators can restore the smoothness of the rail by utilizing specialized grinding equipment, enhancing train ride quality, and lowering the risk of damage to rolling stock and infrastructure. Furthermore, timely and thorough welding of rail joints guarantees the track’s integrity and continuity, eliminating possible risks and ensuring overall track stability.

Routine Track Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, including tightening loose fasteners, replacing broken or worn-out components, and fixing minor flaws, are critical for track longevity. Regular maintenance actions, such as rail replacement, tie replacement, and track surface repairs, help to avoid track degradation and reduce the need for significant repairs or expensive track replacements in the future. Following maintenance schedules and aggressively fixing minor faults contribute to the railway infrastructure‘s overall integrity and lifespan.

Weather-Related Considerations:

Railway tracks are exposed to various weather conditions that can impact their performance and durability. Extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause track deformation, settlement, or degradation. Implementing preventive measures, such as proper drainage systems, track slope maintenance, and appropriate ballast material selection, helps mitigate the effects of weather-related factors and ensure the track’s resilience in adverse conditions.

Railroad track maintenance best practices – Contact R&S Track Inc.

In conclusion, expert railroad track maintenance is critical for ensuring safe, dependable, and efficient train operations. R&S Track can lengthen the lifespan of track infrastructure through frequent inspections, track cleaning and ballast maintenance, rail grinding and welding and scheduled maintenance. Our experts can minimize delays and optimize train performance for years to come.

Visit our website to learn more about our services and expertise.

Have you ever wondered why railroad tracks have layers of crushed rocks underneath them?
The use of this crushed rock is more than a mere coincidence–it’s called a railroad track ballast, or more commonly known as a “ballast”. It plays an important role in keeping railroad tracks stable and functional. If you’re curious about the purpose of railroad track ballast and how it works, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know about railroad ballast:

What is a railroad track ballast?

Generally speaking, ballast is a term for something that creates balance or stability. In fact, the
term was originally used to describe stones that helped to balance ships. Like ballast for ships,
railroad ballast is used to create stable conditions for the railroad. Railroad ballast is usually
composed of crushed stone, although other materials, such as burned clay, have also been
used in the past. It is used to form the track bed underneath railroad ties.

What Role Does Ballast Play in Railroad Track
Stability?

Ballast has been an essential aspect of railroad construction for hundreds of years. While
ballast might seem like a simple or minor detail in the construction process, in reality, it serves
several essential purposes to help keep railroad tracks stable. Here’s a brief look at the roles
that ballast plays:

Helps Maintain the Position of the Tracks

Not only are trains incredibly heavy, they’re also extremely fast-moving. Without proper support,
it would be impossible for the railroad tracks to stay in place. One of the purposes of using
railroad ballast is to help keep the tracks in place as the train is passing through.

Keeps Vegetation at Bay

Another benefit of using ballast in railroad construction is that it serves as a barrier to prevent
weeds and other vegetation from growing freely on the railroad tracks. While these small plants
may seem harmless, they can actually undermine the ground beneath the railroad tracks,
making it softer, weaker, and ultimately less able to support the railroad tracks.

Protects the Tracks From Water

Railroad ballast also helps prevent water from settling around the railroad tracks and potentially
posing a danger to the train’s stability. The ballast creates an effective drainage system,
allowing the water to cycle through and protecting the integrity of the railroad tracks themselves.

Contact R&S Track For Your Railway Maintenance
Needs Today

Ballast is an extremely important aspect of railroad construction. Not only does it keep the
railroad tracks secure, it protects the tracks from water, plant overgrowth, and other factors that
could affect the viability of the railroad tracks.
When it comes to truck maintenance and railway construction, there are few names as trusted
in the business as R&S Track. With 35 years of experience serving the Midwest, R&S Track has
become a leader in the industry that you can rely on to get the job done right. From consulting
services to track inspections, maintenance, track rehabilitation, project design, derail services,
and more, we’re ready to help. Reach out to us today to book a consultation or to learn more
about our services.