ABSTRACT
When a rail vehicle runs on the track, vertical, transverse and longitudinal forces are developed on the railway system, (see section 7.11.1). Up to this chapter, we have focused on the effects of vertical forces, which determine the dimensioning of the various components of the railway track and the subgrade. Transverse forces affect both passenger comfort and train safety. Exceeding the limits of transverse track resistance may cause track shifting and eventual derailment. Derailment may also be the result of either wheel climbing on the rail or of vehicle overturning, (261). Speed increases in recent years have mandated additional strict protective measures to increase and ensure safety. It should be stressed that compared to other means of transportation, railways are the safest, (see section 1.2.3).
