Performance of Jointed S&C Bearers

Long bearers are used at switches and crossings (SC (2) rigid joints, which may give a bending stiffness close to that of a continuous beam. The type of joint has implications for crossing performance, and the existence of alternative designs suggests that a universal solution has not been identified. This paper presents results from a laboratory study carried out to evaluate the effect of joint type on performance. In testing, repeated loading representative of >1 million cycles of a 20 tonne (20,000 kg) axle load was applied to the railseats of bearers supported on a ballast bed. Settlements and resilient movements at locations along the bearers were measured and analysed. The results show that the type or absence of a joint significantly affects the settlement and resilient deflections along the bearer length.