What Is Creep in Rail
What Is Creep in Rail
What Is Creep in Rail
Creep in rail is defined as the longitudinal movement of the rails in the track in the direction of motion
of locomotives. Creep is common to all railways and its value varies from almost nothing to about 6
inches or 16cm.
Causes of Creep
The causes of creep in rail can be broadly classified into two categories
Major causes of creep also known as principal causes of creep. Follows are the major causes of
creep in rail
1. Creep may be developed due to forces that come into operation when the train is starting or
stopping by application of brakes. Increase of starting the wheels pushes the rail backward and hence
the direction of creep is in backward direction.
When brakes are applied then the wheels of the vehicles push the rails in forward direction and hence
the creep is in forward direction.
2. Creep is also developed due to wave motions. When the wheels of the vehicles strikes the crests,
creep is developed.
3. Another reason creep develops because of unequal expansion and contraction owing to change
in temperature.
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Creep is not constant over a given period, it is not continue in one direction or at uniform rate. Both
the rails of the track may creep in same direction, perhaps both the rails reverse the direction of creep
or one rail creep in opposite direction to that of other. Read More
1. The most serious effect of creep is the buckling of track in lateral directions. If unattended and
not properly removed then it causes derailments which leads to accidents. Read More
There are two methods used for the correction of creep. These are