| Abstract | QNS&L, Canada has undertaken a long-term plan to improve its track maintenance process including the development of a long-term wheel-rail interaction strategy. The plan included an assessment of the annual rail replacement requirements, better welding procedures, improved gauge-face lubrication, profile grinding of the rails, preventive reprofiling of wheels, and the development of a long-term wheel-rail interaction strategy. The company also adopted a maintenance-of-way strategic plan to improve track rehabilitation in 2003. The plan also included funds to contract-out the rail grinding program and to begin joint elimination and rail destressing programs. The main objective of the company's plan is to optimize the wheel-rail interaction through the management of wheel-rail friction and the introduction of wheel and rail profiles, which are specific to their system. |
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