Railway Track & Structures - March 2009 - (Page 37)

Emergency ballast protection options s rail transport continues to grow in popularity, so does the importance of maintaining track condition and safety. With open track time so in demand, maintenanceof-way responsibilities are becoming more challenging, including emergency ballast protection. The practice of storing ballast in hopper railcars is not a new concept, but the means of protecting that ballast have changed. Where hardcover tops – primarily steel – were once the only option available, engineered cover systems now offer a wider range of beneﬁts. Shur-Co has been supplying U.S. railroads with engineered cover-and-containment designs for more than 10 years. According to the company, customer feedback indicates that the cover systems are easier to use, seal better and are, in many ways, more durable than hard covers. Derrick Barr, head of the company’s engineered products division, says that, as with everything, money is a factor. “Our customers report that the major advantages of our engineered cover system are lower operating costs and improved performance. Initial cost is signiﬁcantly less, the need for a crane is eliminated and off-season storage is no longer a concern.” Barr adds, “You get consistent, reliable emergency ballast in less time, which reduces downtime and track interruptions.” Keeping moisture out of stationary ballast cars has been an ongoing problem. Frozen ballast is jack hammered out or the cars are run through warming sheds – even taken south to warmer temperatures to thaw. Barr explains why an engineered cover system offers a solution. “The more the ballast is protected from debris, rain and freezing temperatures, the more smoothly it ﬂows.” Barr cites the ﬁndings of a current University of Nebraska-Lincoln study that is measuring the vertical plane track ﬂuctuations and whose test cars are equipped with the Shur-Co cover system. Shane Farritor, associate professor of mechanical engineering at UNL reports that his team installed the system three years ago and has not had a single problem. According to Barr, covering loads can now be a single-person operation managed from the ground and says his customers ﬁnd the engineered cover system helpful in other ways as well. “These can be custom ﬁt, which is really beneﬁcial in the case A Shur-Co’s engineered cover system is applicable to any length of car. of older, less-than-straight top chords. The cover stays with the car and doesn’t get left behind. And, if for any reason, it does get damaged, it’s less expensive, faster and easier to repair.” Barr also notes the lightweight nature of the engineered system increases the load capacity without affecting the structural integrity of the car, making it an ideal choice for leased railcars. Shur-Co has developed systems for railcars hauling cottonseed, distiller’s grain and ballast, as well as cover systems used in rotary dump applications. The company’s engineered cover system designs meet AAR and railroad safety and operational parameters, including clearances to ladders, safety brake handles, compressed air locations and plated-rated speciﬁcations. According to Barr, the company’s consistent goal is to reduce operational effort while increasing safety. As a result, two- and three-tier safety measures are designed into every system. Loading obstructions are minimized. Few moving parts translate to ease of maintenance. “By applying research, development and engineering skills towards practical solutions for the rail industry over the past decade, Shur-Co has created a new and improved approach to cover and containment,” said Barr. www.rtands.com Railway Track & Structures March 2009 37 http://www.rtands.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Railway Track & Structures - March 2009

Railway Track & Structures - March 2009 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D NRC Smashes Attendance Bridge Inspection Battling Bugs Ballast Fundamentals Vital to Keeping Track in Shape Products and Literature People Calendar Sales Representatives Advertisers Index Website Directory Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - March 2009

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