Managing the wheel-rail interface : Railway infrastructure maintenance in a severe environment: The Swedish experience

• This chapter comprises a short introduction to and overview of the challenges that face engineers and researchers working in the field of heavy haul railway operations in a cold climate. If these problems are to be overcome, experts from different engineering disciplines need to work together in order to find solutions for the next generation of heavy haul operation, which will see heavier, longer and faster trains with new train control systems and operating philosophies. Malmbanan runs from the port in Narvik, across the Swedish/Norwegian border via the mines in Kiruna and Malmberget, to the port in Luleå on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. The 100 year old ore line runs through rough terrain including high mountains, peat, terraces situated on the fjords in Norway and numerous short bridges and culverts, and part runs above the Arctic Circle. Over the course of its life, the line and its ore traffic have been continuously upgraded. Today 750 m long trains with 30 tonne axle loads are in operation. If cost-efficient operation is to be maintained, engineers must continue to seek new and effective maintenance and operating systems for both infrastructure and rolling stock.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Annan samhällsbyggnadsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Other Civil Engineering (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kap (subject category)