scope:

Introduction

This Track Work Instruction covers how to go about calculating critical rail temperature (CRT).

It will tell you what information is needed and give guidance on how to obtain it.

The Critical Rail Temperature (CRT) of undisturbed, fully ballasted, CWR track that has been stressed correctly has been calculated to be 53°C. If track has been disturbed or is not fully ballasted or supported or is not stressed correctly, then it will have a lower CRT. See also separate instructions:

TWI 2G002 How to understand CRT

TWI 3P001 How to design the stress transition length

TWI 3P002 How to design stressing - Plain Line

TWI 3P003 How to design stressing S&C