How are railroad tracks maintained on a daily basis?

Track maintenance refers to operations carried out to ensure the good condition of railroad tracks, allowing trains to operate safely, smoothly, and continuously at designated speeds. This includes both track renewal and routine maintenance, involving the replacement of track components, restoration of the ballast bed, and elimination of track deformations. The maintenance system is based on condition-based repairs, utilizing track condition monitoring to implement targeted maintenance, with the goal of preventing and correcting deformations and faults caused by dynamic train loads. Ultimately, this aims to extend the service life of track components and avoid economic losses due to neglected equipment maintenance.

In China, track maintenance is divided into three categories: major track overhaul, intermediate track repair, and routine track maintenance. The first two categories constitute track renewal, with expenses covered by overhaul provisions. Routine maintenance costs are included in operating expenses.

Major Track Overhaul

This primarily involves the complete replacement of old rails with new or reusable rails, correcting the track's vertical and horizontal profiles, and improving the condition of ties, ballast, turnouts, subgrade, and crossings. The aim is to restore track quality to its original standard or achieve an even higher standard. There are also specialized major overhauls, such as replacing sections of rails or ties, laying continuous welded rails, replacing turnouts and turnout ties, and treating subgrade defects.

Intermediate Track Repair

This mainly includes cleaning and adding ballast, replacing failed ties, repairing and replacing defective track components, and restoring the overall quality of the track to or near its original standard.

Routine Track Maintenance

The focus is on maintaining the geometry and smoothness of the track surface. This is achieved through operations such as lifting, tamping, aligning, and straightening, ensuring that track gauge, level, alignment, and elevation meet maintenance standards. Maintenance also includes caring for all parts of the track, replacing those that are damaged or excessively worn as needed. Additionally, maintenance work involves line inspections and monitoring of track condition.

Source: Internet