Specific features of designing and testing interchangeable bodies

Abstract

Objective: Defi nition and systematisation of loads occurring during operation of interchangeable wagon bodies for development of corresponding regulatory requirements for designing and testing interchangeable bodies. Methods: Loads and methods of their application are determined as a result of comparison of design and application area of interchangeable bodies with cargo (maritime) containers and demountable bodies. Results: The authors identifi ed a lack of regulatory framework for standardisation of requirements for bearing capacity of interchangeable bodies, for loads that occur in the railway sphere of application, including storage, handling and stockpiling, as well as testing methods for these bodies. The difference between interchangeable and demountable bodies is defi ned as lack of need for transportation of interchangeable bodies by waterborne transport. In the process of consideration of specifi c features of operating interchangeable bodies in the railway sphere of application, including storage, handling and stockpiling, design and operational similarity of interchangeable bodies with cargo (maritime) containers and demountable bodies was established. Loads applied to interchangeable bodies were defi ned and systemised. Practical importance: The need for development of a regulatory framework for standardisation of requirements for bearing capacity of interchangeable bodies and for loads that occur during handling and stockpiling operations. The authors recommend that the loads discussed in the paper be taken into account in development of technical standard documents, in conducting research and development work and in testing interchangeable bodies