Steel Rail Failure Knowledge
Steel rail failure encompasses various issues that can impact the performance and safety of railway tracks. It can be classified into several categories based on the locations, appearances, and causes of the failures observed on rail sections. Here are the main categories and some of their types:
A. Steel rail breaking:
Complete rail fracture: The cross-section of the rail breaks into at least two parts.
Partial rail fracture: Cracks extend through the rail head or rail foot.
Spalling: Top surface spalling of the rail exceeds certain dimensions in length and depth.
Rail breaking poses a direct threat to train safety, and immediate rail replacement is recommended in such cases.
B. Steel rail cracking: Cracks develop in certain parts of the rail material, excluding complete rail fracture.
C. Steel rail wear:
Vertical wear: Wear occurs vertically on the rails, particularly on straight sections and sharp curves. Increased axle load and total train weight, along with incorrect track geometry, exacerbate vertical wear.
Side wear: Wear caused by wheel friction and sliding against the rail surface.
Corrugated wear: Uneven, wavy wear or crushing cracks develop on the top surface of the rail.