At RailDamage we are still trying to figure out how to classify this type of rail defect. Found on a #metro system at various locations throughout the network (so not an isolated defect) on rails in both tracks and turnouts. #steel #wheels running on #steel #rails #prevention is better then #cure RailDamage RailManagement RailMeasurement RailTechnology #railmaintenance #railgrinding #railmilling #rcf #wear #damage
Isn't that a squat/stud that has spalled/shelled out?
This looks like inclusions in the rail causing subsurface cracking and eventually peeling, although is it at a weld?
You say not a weld and pictures can give false information, the surface looks different and I wondered if it's a flash butt weld? If not is there damage on other rail as seen wheelburns developed into this type of damage. Failing that would say it's a traction generated defect with low forces normally seen on high rails of main line railways
I’d need more information to provide a more accurate assessment. Your second photo on a turnout presents severe gauge face wear. The wear has created a secondary shelf. The amount of wear is beyond any limits I’ve seen. The rolling stock is no longer utilizing the gauge face. Instead, the rolling stock is destroying the rail surface. If there is restraining rail it’s no longer mitigating the lateral forces at the wheel interface. The wheels on the rolling stock must be showing similar wear. If the rolling stock wheels aren’t showing similar wear. I would suspect that the original hardness/grade of the rail was too soft. The wheels, which can be replaced should be wearing faster than the rail. If possible, a sample of the wheel wear would be helpful. Go back to see what grade of track was installed. Make sure the wheel/rail relationship is correct. This could be your issue.
same line, this time in a turnout...similar ugly spalls (albeit perhaps different cause:))...defects shown were found in straights, curves and turnouts so all over the place, did not see any comments on rail quality perhaps:)....Bob Hardwell Andrea Bracciali
Is it a location where ATO trains are moving very slowly, like a human driver wouldn't normally? I've heard of arcing in the traction power in occurrences like that.
same line, also in turnout....does not look like flash butt issues here Bob Hardwell Andrea Bracciali let's see if someone within the RD audience have seen similar damage elsewhere and can tell us more about what they have found....:)
Tony Nobody done any preventative maintenance...amazing.....build a railway you gotta do maintenance...these people think it maintains itself......the quality of the owner needs to be questioned.....probably HH rail never been ground....probably in high braking areas and of course in turnouts.....a lot of it is due to the train operarators....no idea what the high braking and increased velocity (before clear the turnouts) can do....no education...only drive the train....same old same old!!!@
Looks like a Squat that has broken out to me.
Head of Research and Development (Railway inspection&maintenance, WRI, wear, RCF)
9moSome rough guesses: 1. Hidden cracks beneath the rail surface caused by the squat and studs. With grinding, the cracks are exposed to the air. 2. Do you see similar defects on the opposite rail? If so, it might be due to wheel burns caused by sudden braking. 3. Judging from the rail running band, this indicates poor wheel-rail contact shape, specifically conformal contact where the rail shape has not been correctly restored. When recalling the cause of the head check, you might find some clues. However, we only see this singular spot, not continuous.