Rail Stress Test - Simply Safe & Sustainable!
A non-destructive method of measuring tensions in rails
Rail buckling and rupture are well-known problems in railway circles. Too much stress on the rails can cause them to buckle or break. This is a highly dangerous situation that may lead to derailment. This must be prevented at all costs.
Grontmij has developed a measurement system, the Rail Stress Test, which detects undesirable stress in rails in a simple and sustainable way and considerably improves railway safety.
What it is
The Rail Stress Test is a non-destructive, sustainable method for measuring stress in rails. With the measurement data, actions for improving the safety of the tracks in a sustainable manner can be taken at an early stage. The Rail Stress Test sustainably improves the safety of the railway.
Prevention
Too much stress in rails causes disruptions in railway availability, particularly during periods of warm weather. Rail buckling, the clinkering of expansion joints and jamming of points are known consequences of excessive stress. The Rail Stress Test can be used to measure these potential problem areas preventatively, in order to determine whether there is actually cause to take focused, preventative measures.
Applications
The Rail Stress Test can be used in construction, inspection, maintenance and renovation work. The Rail Stress Test measures very accurately whether the applied pre-stress corresponds to the stress as stipulated in the rules. The contractor can further use the measurement data to prove that its work meets the specifications of the client. In summary, using the Rail Stress Test yields the following applications:
- It is a means of inspecting work that has been done
- It is a means of inspecting existing railway sections
- It is means of performing safety inspections in increased risk situations
Advantages
- Fast measurement method (less than 5 minutes per measurement)
- Non-destructive and very low energy consumption
- Accurate measurements of the neutral temperature
- Results provide an insight into the odds of potentially dangerous situations occurring
Sustainability
The Rail Stress Test is a highly sustainable measurement method: it is non-destructive, does not use a lot of energy and requires very little effort. Furthermore, its application results in more sustainable railways. The method reduces large-scale, preventative maintenance activities to focused maintenance or renovation work only where necessary. Focused and timely maintenance prevents disasters. People can trust in safe railways, while at the same time considerable repair costs and corresponding use of materials are avoided. In short, the Rail Stress Test benefits people, planet and profit. Simply Safe & Sustainable!