Wheel/rail interface management in heavy haul railway operations—applying science and technology

The primary objective of the paper is to review science and technologies that have been developed by various scientists and engineers over the years and that have made it possible to push the limits within the wheel/rail interface in the heavy haul railway environment. After describing the wheel/rail stress-state and its consequences, preventative and corrective measures that can assist in optimising wheel and rail life, and thus reduce costs, are reviewed. The significant contribution of measurement and monitoring technologies to quantify the stress-state of the wheel/rail system is highlighted. Finally, a brief review of the fundamentals of contact mechanics, vehicle dynamics and wheel/rail interface analysis software is given.