The recent increased reliance on manual ultrasonic rail inspection. A worsening of track quality and a possible increase in wheel irregularities, both of which lead to higher dynamic forces. Increasing levels of traffic, which may not have been followed by increased inspections, and have not been accompanied by revised minimum action criteria for defect removal. The possible acceleration of rolling contact fatigue as a result of the introduction of bogies with higher wheel set yaw stiffness. Actions Taken by Railtrack to Reduce Broken Rail Numbers Railtrack has taken many initiatives to reduce broken rail numbers.
Management processes to focus on reducing broken rail numbers.
The production of defect and break maps to identify cluster locations. The reintroduction of improved test vehicles for ultrasonic rail inspection. The development of Zone and maintenance contractor plans to decrease broken rail numbers. This may indicate that Railtrack's actions are beginning to bear fruit. Railtrack should consider moving to a risk-based approach to the management of broken rails.