Track Studies

Rail Sciences has several engineers that can apply years of experience to evaluate the track issues that our clients have. Rail Sciences provides:

Track Inspections

Rail Grinding Consultation

Track Inspections

Rail Sciences has a team of inspectors available to inspect yard tracks, terminals, sidings and main lines. Our inspectors can:

● Review track conditions

● Make and prioritize recommendations for repairs

● Develop long-term maintenance schedules


Rail Sciences' Track Inspections can be used to classify track according to FRA standards. Rail Sciences can also make recommendations for upgrading track class.
 
During the course of a track inspection, Rail Sciences' Inspectors review the condition of the:

Rail
Switches
Frogs
Crossings
Ties
Ballast
Drainage
Surfacing Gage
Crosslevel
Fasteners
Joint Work

Rail Grinding Consultation

Rail Grinding is a beneficial practice because it allows the railroad to control the integrity of the rail surface by periodically re-contouring the rail surface with a rail grinder.

Increasing wheel loads in the rail industry have a tendency to subject rail to excessive fatigue which can result in the deterioration and shelling of the running surfaces. Shelling on the rail gage corner can lead to fractures in the rail head and increase the potential for catastrophic failure of the rail under load.

Due to the potential impact of the re-contoured rail head, any grinding program should be closely monitored and controlled. Excessive, inadequate and/or imprecise grinding can lead to a sub-optimal wheel/rail interface and accelerated wear rates.