Causes of creep

Causes of creep

1. Ironing effect of the wheel

The ironing effect of wheels is formed by movement of rail in direction of traffic, resulting in creep.

2. Starting and stopping operation

When train starts or accelerates, the backward thrust of the wheel pushes the train backward, sometimes when train slows down or breaks are applied to stop, the forward thrust of the wheel pushes the train forward. This results in formation of creep.

3. Changes in temperature

Creep occurs due to variation in temperature resulting in expansion and contraction of rail.

4. Unbalanced traffic

In double line section, train moves only in one direction, i.e. each track is unidirectional, thus creep occurs in direction of traffic.

In single line section, traffic moves in both direction, the volume of traffic in direction is variable the creep occurs in direction of predominant traffic.

5. Alignment of track

Creep is more on curved portion as compared to straight portion.

6. Poor maintenance of track

a. Improper securing of rail to sleeper

b. Improper expansion gaps

c. Badly maintained rail joints

d. Rail seat wear in metal sleeper track

e. Rail too light for the traffic carried on them