Methods are recommended for improving wheel/rail adhesion where railhead contamination by moisture, ice, grease, and leaves and other vegetation has adversely affected rail system operation.

Light rail and commuter rail services may experience schedule delays during the year because of railhead contamination by moisture, ice, and leaves and other vegetation. These natural contaminants build up on the railhead, thereby causing slip and slide conditions, which affect the ability of light rail and commuter rail systems to maintain operating schedules safely. Frequent sanding, the means most often used to lessen the slip and slide conditions, is costly. Other disadvantages of sanding include accelerated wheel wear; damage to the track structure because of fouling of ballast, drains, and switch points; disruption of train detection systems; and premature rotting of ties. As a result, there is a need to identify alternatives to sanding.

Research was undertaken by Tranergy Corporation to (1) describe and evaluate current practices for the control of wheel/rail adhesion under conditions of railhead contamination by moisture, ice, and leaves and other vegetation and (2) identify new or modified alternatives to sanding that show promise for improving wheel/rail adhesion under these conditions. The research effort focused on light rail and commuter rail operations.

A summary of the project findings has been published as TCRP Research Results Digest No. 17, "Improved Methods for Increasing Wheel/Rail Adhesion in the Presence of Natural Contaminants." It is also available in portable document format (PDF). Double-click on the file below to access RRD 17. (A free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader is available at https://www.adobe.com). The final report is available on request from the TCRP.

TCRP Research Results Digest No. 17