Rail heads are regularly exposed to heavy loads from long train consists as well as localized stress associated with both acceleration and braking. These stresses deform the surface of the rails resulting in head and side wear.

While rail head wear inspection typically requires a separate dedicated inspection system, Pavemetrics’ LRAIL is able to perform this task simultaneous with other important tasks such as tie grading, fastener inspection, ballast profiling, turnout inspection, and more.

The LRAIL algorithms analyze 3D data in order to measure top, side and corner rail wear. Rail wear measurements can be made for both standard rail profile as well as grooved (metro) rail.

Standard

49 CFR § 213.233 – Track inspections

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