5 European rail wagon marks

5.1          Static axle load and linear load

5.1.1       The axle load and axle spacing of the vehicles defines the vertical quasi-static load input to the track.

5.1.2       The load limits for wagons take into account their geometrical characteristics, weights per axle and weights per linear metre.

5.1.3       They should be in accordance with the classification of lines or sections of lines, categories A, B1, B2, C2, C3, C4, D2, D3, D4 as defined in the following table.

5.1.4       Classification according to the maximum mass per axle P is expressed in capital letters (A, B, C, D, E, F, G); classification according to the maximum mass per unit length p is expressed in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), except for Category A.

5.1.5       Rail vehicle load table

              Shown on each side to the left

              The maximum payload is generally not a fixed value for the distinguished wagon, but allocated case by case by means of the intended track category (categories A, B, C, D) and the speed category (S: ≤ 100 km/h; SS: ≥ 120 km/h). These payload figures imply a homogeneous load distribution over the entire loading area (see figure 4.12).

Figure 4.12 Allocation of payload to a rail car

5.1.6       Concentrated loads

              Shown in the centre of each solebar³

              In case of concentrated loads a reduction of the payload is required, which depends on the loaded length and the way of bedding the concentrated load. The applicable load figures are marked in each wagon. Also any longitudinal or transverse eccentricity of concentrated loads is limited by the individual axle load capacity or the wheel load capacity (see figure 4.13).

Column	Symbol	Description
1		Signs showing the length of the supporting surfaces of concentrated loads, or the distance between supports
2	m	Distance in metre between the signs showing the length
3	———	Maximum tonnage of concentrated loads
4		Maximum tonnage of loads resting on two supports

Figure 4.13 Reduction in payload due to concentrated load and bedding distance