CONSOLIDATION OF THE PERMANENT WAY.

There are two principles to achieve consolidation: by a rotating eccentric-mass which provides a constant impact force and by oscillating directly the consolidating force by an eccentric shaft which provides oscillations of constant amplitude. The former provides constant impact force irrespective of the ballast condition while the consolidating impaforce of the latter depends on ballast density. Both systems incorporate a static loading produced by the machine. Test results are described and charted for a consolidating machine, showing post-tamping settlement, settlement with and without consolidation, slewing and rate of settlement.