Basic Research in Track Technology: Current Work and Outlook

Since tracks deteriorate due to repeated loading by passing vehicles, much work is required for track maintenance. To make railways sustainable, it is thus necessary to clarify track deterioration mechanisms and develop effective countermeasures. Furthermore, to reduce cost and labor, new technologies for maintenance must be introduced. This report introduces recently conducted basic track technology research. The research covers areas such as running safety, clarification and detection of rail and ballast deterioration, and in particular includes methods to reduce rail crack initiation, clarification of crack growth mechanisms and behavior aged ballast.