QUESTION 12
FINAL QUESTION - Part 2:
You are determining the stress free temperature of a UIC railway line by using a lifting frame. A
linear regression on the calibration data gave . You measure an uplift force of 16 kN at
a rail temperature of .
Calculate the SFT using the equation:
Now, provide the value of c :
(Provide a numeric value only. If you need to place a decimal point, use ofull.stop)
15999.7777

The concept of stress-free temperature (SFT) is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of railway infrastructure. In railway engineering, it is significant because changes in temperature can lead to expansion or contraction of the rails. This can result in issues such as buckling or warping if not properly accounted for, making understanding SFT essential for maintenance and design processes.

In real-world applications, determining the SFT helps prevent potential derailments or accidents caused by track deformation. Railway engineers utilize data from uplift forces to calculate SFT, which enhances safety and operational efficiency. By applying the linear regression data, conditions such as extreme weather can be anticipated, allowing for timely maintenance and repairs, ensuring trains run smoothly regardless of temperature fluctuations.