Long-term geometry evaluation in switches and crossings and their mutual comparison

This paper focuses on the influence of switch and crossing structure types on track settlement. Track settlement is one of the most important parameters influencing track quality and its dynamic behaviour by passing trains. Measurements were taken on switches and crossings with various innovative structural elements installed into the network of the Czech Railways (Správa železnic) since 2010. Using levelling of rail head at regular intervals, the settlement of individual areas of turnouts were evaluated. Conventional turnouts, turnouts with elastic fastening systems, turnouts with under sleeper pads (USP), fixed crossings as well as crossings with movable parts and turnouts designed for high-speed lines, were measured and evaluated. Each turnout area was divided into five specific zones, which were further monitored and compared with each other. The monitored track sections were the area in front of the turnout, the switch panel, the closure panel, the crossing panel and the area behind the turnout. This paper focus on the crossing panel, considered the most dynamically loaded region. The primary goal of the research was to evaluate all measured data over time and compare the rate of settlement of the individual turnout structural type with each other while maintaining the same method and equipment for measurements. Through a long-term comparison, the benefits of individual innovative structural elements have been gained, and the degree of this benefit has been established for each turnout.