The gross million tons calculation for railway tracks involves multiple factors and is a complex process, often determined through detailed engineering analysis and simulation. Here are some key factors considered:
Axle Load: The weight carried by each axle influences track deterioration. Higher axle loads generally lead to greater wear and tear.
Train Speed: Higher speeds can contribute to increased dynamic forces on the track, affecting track degradation. Different speeds may have varied impacts on track longevity.
Train Frequency: The number of trains passing over a track within a specified time affects cumulative stress and wear on the track.
Track Structure and Material: The type of track structure (ballasted, non-ballasted, etc.) and the materials used play a significant role in determining the load-carrying capacity and maintenance requirements.
Environmental Conditions: Climate and weather conditions impact the track's durability. For example, extreme temperatures or heavy rainfall can affect the track's stability.
Track Maintenance Practices: The effectiveness and frequency of track maintenance activities influence the overall track performance.
The specific method for calculating gross million tons would likely involve mathematical modeling and simulation, considering these factors simultaneously. It's common for railway engineers to use specialized software for track analysis, taking into account the dynamic interaction between trains and the track structure.
For accurate calculations tailored to a specific railway network, consulting with railway engineering experts or utilizing specialized software tools designed for track analysis is recommended. It involves detailed data collection, analysis, and application of engineering principles to ensure the track's long-term viability under the given operational conditions.
Whilst I understand that you want something better than rules of thumb, the previous answer demonstrates that this can get very complicated, very quickly. Understanding some of the key relationships (I think axle load impacts with the cube, but train speed with the square) can be helpful, otherwise it gets unmanageable - you end up with more categories than metres of track! Some railway infrastructure organisations (e.g. Network Rail in Britain) therefore categorise track maintenance requirements by simple cross-tabulations e.g. of maximum speed and total tonnage per year, although one might reasonably treat track on structures differently from that at grade. Lastly, being raised on an embankment is another category you might want to consider.