Railroad Car Load Capacities

[paucrab]

I have a contractor who is recommending a salvaged railroad car for use building a bridge. He has provided a length (51') and a cross-section (channel-shaped members). He says the supplier does not have information on load capacity. I'd like to know where I can find the information on load capacities.

 

[BATman2]

Paucrab,

You may want to check the Associate of American Railroad manuals for basic design loads of vehicles. Otherwise, you could try contacting freight car manufactures suppliers such as Thralle. Calculating the values is the other option.

Just an opinion, I would be relucant to use materials which have been under dynamic load to build a bridge. A fatigue problem could be lurking in those members.

Nick

 

[paucrab]

Thanks Nick. I appreciate the response. I'll see if I can track down the references you cited. Paul