scope:

Overview of handbook

This handbook gives information and advice on how the interface between the wheel and the rail can be managed within the requirements of the track and rolling stock engineering standards, and how it is possible to reduce the severity of problems arising from the wheel/rail interface by focusing management attention on the causes of these problems. The handbook considers the management of the interface between wheels on passenger trains and running rails, but excludes:

↕ points and crossings, check rails and conductor rails

↕ non-passenger trains 

↕ wheel and rail damage not associated with the wheel/rail interface

↕ leaf fall contamination of the wheel/rail interface

↕ signalling aspects

↕ ground borne vibration and re-radiated noise originating from the wheel/rail interface.

The behaviour at the wheel/rail interface is controlled by both track and rolling stock engineering factors. Hence relevant rolling stock engineering aspects are also considered in this track handbook.

Section 2 The importance of the wheel/rail interface introduces the wheel/rail interface and outlines the factors that affect its behaviour.

The influence of wheel/rail interface management process on the London Underground's business objectives is described in section 3 The wheel/rail interface and London Underground's business objectives. Information is given on how a failure of the management process will compromise achievement of these objectives.

An overview of the total management process for the wheel/rail interface is given in section 4 Overview of the wheel/rail interface management process.

Section 5 Friction management describes the elements of friction management that are required to ensure that the wheel and rail surfaces are fully protected by effective lubrication of the interface. The management of both track and vehicle mounted lubricators is considered.

Section 6 addresses Wheel and rail profile management issues. This includes wheel turning, rail grinding and other ways of obtaining satisfactory profiles at the interface.

Finally section 7 Other factors influencing the wheel/rail interface discusses other track and rolling stock factors that need to be considered to complete the management of the wheel/rail interface.