Research of geometric parameters of symmetric railroad switches

State University of Infrastructure and Technology, Department of Railway Track and Track Engineering, 04071 Kyiv, Kyrylivska Street, 9, Ukraine

^* Corresponding author: oliynuk_oa@gsuite.duit.edu.ua

Abstract

Turnouts are a barrier in the track for setting the permissible speeds of trains movements on the main tracks, as they have special structural devices for branching traffic from the main track to the side one. Symmetrical switches have a number of advantages over conventional ones: with the same grade as conventional switches, symmetrical switches can provide significantly higher train speeds on the side tracks; with the same radii of transfer curves, symmetrical switches have a shorter length; while maintaining the length of the curve and radius, crosses with a larger angle than in conventional switches can be used. These qualities of single, multilateral symmetrical switches have determined their field of application. On the mainline tracks, symmetrical switches are used in marshalling yards of stations, as well as in main lines when it is necessary to achieve higher speeds on both side lines. Symmetrical switches by their purpose and design have significant differences from the most common conventional switches, and therefore research on these structures is important and relevant. Moreover, very few scientific papers have been devoted to such research, both in our country and abroad. This study reveals the problems of designing the frame rail junction - point, which is the most critical in the operation of a switch and ensuring the safety of trains passing through it.