CSN P CEN/TS 17843

CSN P CEN/TS 17843 EN 14363 defines necessary tests for assessing running behaviour for vehicle homologation. In the acceptance process the range of curve radii tested during on-track testing is defined with Rmin = 250 m. A vehicle accepted according to the requirements of this document is able to be operated on all standard gauge tracks complying with EN 13803 [1], which means with Rmin =150 m. Beyond that, operation is also permitted even in smaller curve radii. It is state of the art that the minimum curve radius a vehicle is able to negotiate is validated by tests as described in EN 50215:2009, 9.9.2 [2]. These tests cover verification of adequate clearances for operation of the vehicle under specified limited cases (curvature, cant, etc.) in all load conditions and failure modes of the suspension. Running safety in curve radii below 250 m is covered by these tests as well as the proof of safety against derailment in twisted track according to EN 14363:2016+A1:2018, 6.1 (see A.1). Regardless of the topic 'curve radius' it is stated in the EN 14363 that "experience over many years has demonstrated that vehicles complying with this document can be operated safely on infrastructure with conditions more severe than the target test conditions, if the current general operating rules are applied." General operating rules, including parameters like cant deficiency or axle load, have an influence on the physical effects that are intended to be controlled by this specification. Most European infrastructure managers operate vehicles accepted according to EN 14363 without requesting additional on-track testing with curve radii lower than 250 m. Despite this, they have been running safely and reliably for many decades. Depending on experience from some infrastructure managers, facing damages on tracks with curve radii smaller than 250 m after introduction of new rolling stock and modifications of operating conditions national rules were developed to control this field of operation, for example in Austria [5], the Czech Republic (applying also [5]) and Switzerland [4]. The requirements of these national rules differ in detail and make bilateral acceptance unfeasible. Therefore, this specification has been developed. NOTE - The experience of many countries over many decades shows that for safe operation with an acceptable level of track loading on the whole network it is sufficient to assess vehicles according to EN 14363. It is not the intention of this specification to initiate new national rules in these fields.
Original English text of CSN EN Standard.
The price of the Standard included all amendments and correcturs.