Piggyback loading gauge, problems and process of implementation
Analysis of freight traffic development abroad has revealed the trend of intensive growth of the freight transport centers to create optimal logistic links for the purpose of the interaction between different modes of transport and further development of piggyback transport. The article thoroughly describes two stages of the preparatory work for the organization of piggyback transport on the network of the Russian railways. The first stage outlined the need for piggyback loading gauge. Piggyback loading gauge - is the minimal transverse (perpendicular to track axis) outline in which, considering the mounting, the load (road vehicle) should be placed on a specialized platform as part of piggyback train. Such loading gauge was developed in 2012.Measures to prepare the routes for running regular piggyback trains were discussed in the second stage. Introduction of piggyback loading gauge and training routes linked to the development of normative-methodical documentation. The results of both analytical and experimental development become the basis of this document. In order to evaluate the main possibility of input piggyback trains on routes covering the entire network of railways of the Russian Federation, global analysis of the actual dimensions of infrastructure clearance was made to determine whether they meet minimum structural clearance to that required for the safe handling of piggyback trains. Studies confirm the fundamental possibility of the piggyback transport almost on the entire network of the Russian railways.