Definition of hogging at rail joints What is the term for the bending deformation of rail ends at a joint caused by loose packing and loose fish bolts, leading to an upward or misaligned end condition?

Introduction / Context:
Jointed track suffers from problems concentrated at the joints: impact loading, end batter, and deformation. One specific defect is “hogging,” which reflects a bending of the rail ends resulting from poor support and loose fittings, adversely affecting ride quality and increasing maintenance demands.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Loose packing under the joint.
• Loose fish bolts and possibly worn fishplates.
• Repeated impact from wheel loads.

Concept / Approach:
At a poorly supported joint, successive wheel impacts cause differential bending of the rail ends. This produces a hogged profile (often an upward or misaligned end) which then increases impact further, creating a vicious cycle of deterioration and rapid end batter unless corrected by packing and tightening the joint.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the root cause: inadequate joint support and loose fittings.Understand the effect: localized bending of rail ends at the joint.Apply terminology: this deformation is called “hogging.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Inspection manuals describe hogging at joints along with corrective actions: proper packing, bolt tightening, renewal of fishplates, and sometimes joint welding or conversion to LWR/CWR.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Buckling: Lateral/vertical instability due to thermal or compressive forces in continuous lengths, not localized joint end bending.Creeping: Longitudinal movement of rails, unrelated to joint-end bending shape.None of these: Incorrect because a specific term exists.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing hogging with end batter; batter is the mushrooming/damage at the running face, while hogging refers to the bending profile.
• Ignoring joint packing, which is the first-line remedy to prevent recurrence.

Final Answer:
hogging