What types of rail track damage are there?

Rail defects refer to damage that occurs during the use of rails, including fractures, cracks, and other issues that impact or limit the performance of the rail.

For the purposes of statistics and analysis, rail defects are classified. Based on the defect’s location on the rail cross-section, visual appearance, and cause, rail defects are divided into nine categories and 32 types, identified using a two-digit numbering system. The tens digit indicates the location and nature of the defect, while the unit digit indicates the cause of the defect.

A rail fracture is defined as meeting any of the following conditions: the rail’s full cross-section is broken into at least two parts; a crack runs completely through the entire head or base of the rail; or the top surface of the rail has a broken piece larger than 50mm in length and 10mm in depth. Rail fractures directly threaten operational safety and must be replaced promptly. A rail crack is defined as material separation forming a crack, excluding cases where the rail is fully broken.

There are many types of rail defects, with common examples including wear, spalling, head checks, and bolt hole cracks in the web of the rail.

Source: Internet