Publication Date
12-2021
Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)
11-1-2021
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis
Degree Title
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Department
Civil Engineering
Major Advisor
Debakanta Mishra, Ph.D.
Advisor
Bhaskar Chittoori, Ph.D.
Advisor
Ted Sussmann, Ph.D.
Abstract
This thesis details a comprehensive numerical analysis of load determination, and crosstie support assessment and monitoring using strain gauges to measure differential rail shear strain in ballasted railroad tracks due to applied railcar wheel loads. These differential shear strain measurements can be related to applied wheel loading and crosstie support reactions through the geometric and constitutive properties of a given rail section. The basic theory behind the measurement technique was reviewed and investigated using finite element models of varying complexity. The impact of field conditions such as differential ballast and subgrade support, track stiffness, crosstie spacing, gauge installation location, and circuit calibration methods were explored, as well as the nature of the interaction between vertical and lateral loads on accurate load determination. The results of this theoretical study indicate that differential shear strain measurements are a robust method for load and crosstie support assessment and monitoring and can be used for accurate measurement of both vertical and lateral loads.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18122/td/1911/boisestate
Recommended Citation
Johnson, D. Kody, "Using Differential Shear Strain Measurements to Monitor Crosstie Support Conditions in Railroad Tracks" (2021). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 1911.
https://doi.org/10.18122/td/1911/boisestate