Heavy Haul Track Maintenance - Common Problems and Remedies

The importance of heavy haul railways in the Australian economy cannot be overemphasised. The efficiency of all heavy haul operations relies on the health of rail infrastructure, more specifically, the rolling stock and the track. Whilst the regimental maintenance of rolling stock, to a large extent, mitigates the risk of unpredicted failures – many heavy haul railways witness common maladies affecting the sustainability of track infrastructure, impacting its throughput.    

The topic of my upcoming presentation at the ARA Heavy Haul Conference next week in Perth covers three such common track maintenance problems witnessed by the majority of heavy haul railways in Australia and elsewhere. The problem of ineffectiveness of tamping, premature sleeper failure, and the failure of track structure under increased axle load, will be covered along with the likely causes and potential remedies. 

I’m interested to hear your experience or thoughts on Australia’s long history with heavy haul rail and what it means for our country’s prosperity. If you’re attending the ARA Heavy Haul Conference, join the conversation with me as I present on Thursday, April 15 at 1.55 pm. 

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