Rolling Contact Fatigue in Rail: Causes, Types, and Inspection Methods
Rolling contact fatigue in rail causes head checks, shells and squats that can mask UT. How 213.113 and 213.237(h) apply, and how crack depth guides grinding.
Category
Rail Maintenance
5 articles
Bolt Hole Cracks in Rail Joints: Inspection Methods and Prevention
Bolt hole cracks under 49 CFR 213.113: how they form at rail joints, how 45° and 0° UT finds them, remedial actions by crack length, and how to prevent them.
FRA Defect Codes Explained: Rail Defect Classification (49 CFR 213.113)
FRA defect codes explained: the 16 rail defects in 49 CFR 213.113, remedial actions by percent of head area, the 4-hour rule and FRA's real T2xx cause codes.
Rail Inspection RFP Evaluation: How to Score UT Proposals
Rail inspection RFP evaluation for UT bids: questions to ask, 213.238 and Part 214 evidence to request, red flags, a scoring method and the award handoff.
Ultrasonic Rail Testing Cost: What Drives It and How to Cut It
Ultrasonic rail testing cost, from public contract awards: $212 per track mile and $3,100 a day in one 2019 bid. Plus an estimating method and 5 ways to save.