Subways are considered the backbone and the most important urban transportation mean in Greater Cairo in comparison with the other inner-city networks, as they contribute in solving traffic congestion, not only in the heart of the megalopolisy but also in many places in the greater city. Tracks of these subways contain many short radii curves especially in Line No. 2 of Greater Cairo metro network, where excessive lateral rail wear has been observed and measured on the outer rails of these curves. Analysis and evaluation of the measured lateral rail wear values, the mathematical equations which connect these values with the designed parameters, e. g. running speed, accumulated wheel loads, curve radius…etc.; that had been carried out in year 2002 are presented in this paper. Validation for that obtained models using wear records that have been measured in May 2012 is done and will be outlined too. Also, effect of design parameters of the sharp curved tracks on recent cost of worn rails is included. Conclusions and recommendations that contribute in reduction of lateral wear phenomenon and lead to optimal rail lifetime have been introduced in the end of the paper. |
