Computer Program for Calculations of Rail Stresses

By Mr M.S.Ekbote A.M. (CE) (Retd)

(Revised on 16-08-2014)
----------Introduction: This write up briefly describes the features of the above computer
program Rail_stress.exe and gives the detailed instructions for using the soft ware. The
program is based on the methodology followed on Indian Railways and has been
updated to take into account the latest instructions issued by RDSO vide letter no
CT/DG/Research dated 16-10-2006. The rail stresses are calculated for a default wear
value of 5 % as is the practice adopted by RDSO. The values of track modulus for
concrete sleeper track as well as the rail section properties for 52 Kg and 60 kg rails at
different wear percentages as given in the enclosures to the above letter have been
incorporated in the subroutines of the program. Since the rail section properties at
different wear percentage values are not given for 90R rails the stress calculation for
90R rail is done only for 5 % wear value. Similarly there is no change in the rail stress
calculation for MG track .The program would need modification/revision as and when the
methodology is revised or the permissible stresses are revised on the basis of new
information.
Methodology of calculations:
On the Indian Railways a semi-empirical
approach is followed for calculations of rail stresses -.

The effect of vertical load is considered by treating the track bed as an infinite
beam resting on an elastic track bed and bending moments /deflections etc are
calculated by the classical theory of beams on elastic foundations.
The effect of adjacent wheels under the particular rolling stock is considered
based on the axle spacing the wheel load and the combined effect under a wheel is
considered taking into account all the wheel loads of the particular rolling stock. For
manual calculations suitable master diagram is used to ascertain effect of adjacent axles
and the depending on distance of the axle the distant axles give a relief. Where the
distance between any two adjacent axles is more than six times the distance to point of
contra flexure leading wheel effect is considered by augmenting the wheel load by 10 %.
The effect of eccentricity of applied wheel loads is considered by treating the point
of application of vertical wheel load at a nominal eccentricity of 15 mms.
The torsional effects arising out of the eccentricity of load are also considered by
evaluating the tensile and compressive stresses at the top and bottom of the rail head.
The effect of the flange forces is considered by using the Prudhoms formula for
lateral loads and rail is considered as simply supported between two adjacent sleepers.
The combined effect of all the above forces is considered together in evaluating
stresses on top and bottom fibers of rail head.

The permissible stresses are specified separately for 72 and 90 UTS rails and
reduced to account for type of track structure viz LWR/SWR or free jointed track
depending on the induced stresses to account for thermal stresses, stresses on account
of flexing of rails, locked up stresses etc.
Features of the Program : The computer program described here has the following
special feature:
1. The effect of the adjacent axles is considered by using the basic equation
of beams on elastic foundations instead of the master diagram thus avoids
any reading errors from graph.
2. All data of standard rail section is picked up from subroutine provided in
the program. Similarly the value of track modulus for conventional track as
well as concrete sleeper track with 1540 and 1660 sleepers/km density are
automatically picked up from the subroutines. The spacing of sleepers for
1540 and 1660 sleepers per/km i.e. 65 and 60 cms are automatically taken
care of for concrete sleeper track.
3. For standard rolling stocks as used on the Indian Railways the data on axle
loads and axle spacing is provided in the subroutines. The standard Rolling
stock details for which the data is available can be accessed from the drop
down menu from the combo box Rolling Stock Type.
4. The speed factors for the standard Rolling stock on BG are listed for four
different type of Rolling stock by summarizing the details given in report C100. These four different type of stocks are
(a) Bogie Freight stock
(b) Coaching stock,
(c) Diesel Electric Locos,
(d) Steam Locos.
The 4 wheeler goods stock is not much in use now and has not been
included in the standard rolling stock details. In case it becomes
necessary to study the effect of such a rolling stock it can be analyzed
using the non standard rolling stock option.
For MG the graphs as given report no C-92 has been used. The graphs
for dynamic augments for BG and MG have been circulated by RDSO in
their letter no CT/DG/Research dated 16-10-2006. In preparing the
subroutines the data of these graphs has been read at every 5 km/hr
interval (in multiples of 5 and beyond 30km/hr) and this digitized data has
been used for preparing the subroutine.
5. For standard rolling stock where the calculated values are greater than the
permissible an input box is opened to ask for calculations at reduced
speed and calculates the stresses for reduced speed at an interval of 5
km/hr till the stresses are within permissible limits or till a speed of 30
km/hr is reached which ever is earlier and then calculations are terminated.
Suitable warning by use of a message box is also provided.
6. For non standard rolling stock the details of axle loads, axle spacing and
speed factors have to be separately entered for non standard rolling stock

on BG there is a facility to use the generalized Speed factors for the four
different type of Rolling stock or enter the speed factor directly.
7. The program calculates rail stresses with double track modulus method. It
follows the methodology as discussed in the 53rd Track Standards
committee meeting held in July 1975 vide item No 716 as amended by
RDSO from time to time.

8. Instructions for installation of the Computer ProgramInstructions for installation of the program have been
separately covered in a separate file included in the folder. After
installation of the program you can run the program by going
through start menu, pointing to programs and to Curve Calculations
icon and program will automatically get loaded in computer and you
can run it in a normal way.

1. Select Yes option button in case standard rolling stock and press
proceed button and it will open the next screen as under:

2. The relevant drop down menus for rail section, type of track structure and
rolling stock etc will be available to the user for making appropriate
selection after he selects the Gauge. The default rail wear is 5 % as is the
RDSO practice. For increasing rail wear percentage a label in red is
required to be clicked and it opens the drop down menu for selection of 6,
7,..,10 % of rail wear. After entering all the values and clicking compute
button the screen looks like this-

3. Where the calculated values are higher than permissible the program asks
you whether to check for lower speeds by displaying an input box and after
giving the input to calculate for a reduced speed a typical screen looks like
as given below

After the compute button is pressed and calculated values are displayed
the compute button gets disabled and all the data entered by the user
gets locked to avoid modifying any values after calculations are complete.
The user can take a print of the sheet by clicking the print button. All data
entered is erased and the compute button gets enabled when the user
presses Reset button.
4.
In case of non standard rolling stock select option button NO after step
1. and clicking the proceed button gives you the screen as shown below-

5. The relevant drop down menus for rail section, track type and UTS of the
rail are available to the user. In this case the data on rolling stock has to be
entered directly. There is a facility to use the generalized Speed factors for
the four different type of Rolling stock or enter the speed factor directly. On
clicking the Speed Factor button? a dialogue box opens asking the user
to either use the generalized speed factors or enter the value of speed
factor directly. On selecting appropriate choice either the drop down menu
for selection of rolling stock type or a text box for entering speed factor is
opened.
6.
Entering the number of wheels opens the appropriate text boxes for
entering axle loads and spacing. On entering data for a typical case of
BOXNHA stock and pressing the compute button displays the screen as
shown below-

7.

In case of non standard rolling stock the facility of nonstandard rail section
has not been included since it is felt that old non standard rails sections
such as 50R, 33.5 lb, 60 Ns have all been eliminated by now. It is felt that
program would be of considerable assistance in calculating rail stresses.
For any assistance in case of a bug or for revision / modification or
Difficulty in running the program please contactShri M.S. Ekbote (AMCE) (Retd)
A-603, Shilpa Housing Society
Near MIT College Paud Road Pune-411 038
Phone 020-25450040
e-mail - msekbote@gmail.com