by Jeff Tuzik (This article was previously published in the December 2025 issue of Mass Transit) One of the most vexing, and increasingly common rail defects that rail transit agencies contend with is the squat-type defect (stud). Addressing studs has been challenging in that they are not fully understood, and, …
by Jeff Tuzik Rail grinding is typically the go-to approach to addressing rail-related issues like corrugation, RCF, profile degradation, and a slew of others. It works. And on transit (and other closed-loop) systems, rail grinding can also be used to address wheel-related issues, as well. Greater Cleveland Rail Transit Authority’s …
by Jeff Tuzik A well optimized wheel/rail interface is a quiet wheel/rail interface. In the rail transit environment, there are many technologies and strategies to reduce wheel/rail-generated noise, and they tend to focus on reducing rail roughness. Standard rail grinding, acoustic rail grinding, rail milling, and specialized acoustic grinding machines …
by Bob Tuzik This article was originally published in Mass Transit (February 2022). SkyTrain, Vancouver’s iconic rail transit system, is a system in motion. Since the opening of the original Expo Line, named and timed to coincide with Expo 86, SkyTrain, which moves more than 115 million commuters per year pre-covid, …
by Bob Tuzik This article was originally published in Mass Transit (June 2023). Challenges abound in the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of light rail lines in urban areas. Chief among them is controlling track- and vehicle-born noise, an important part of maintaining the support of an agency’s various stakeholders, …
Rail grinding has evolved significantly since the 1980s, with preventive grinding becoming key for rail maintenance. Eric Magel shares insights from global experiences, highlighting failures due to improper grinding methods and the importance of maintaining optimal rail profiles. Recent advancements in technology and strategies continue to alter rail grinding practices for efficiency and effectiveness.
Rail grinding and milling are essential rail maintenance practices, with grinding being more established and milling gaining popularity, especially in Europe. While both processes can achieve similar rail profiles, they differ in technique, productivity, and byproducts. Grinding produces heat and sparks, while milling offers a cleaner operation. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimal rail maintenance strategies.
Stuart Grassie discusses rail corrugation, a prevalent issue in rail systems, highlighting advancements in understanding its causes and mitigation strategies over 45 years. Key mechanisms include P2 resonance, trackform-specific resonance, pinned-pinned resonance, and rutting. Successful corrugation management was achieved on Kuala Lumpur’s Kajang Line, marking a significant milestone.
Transverse defects (TDs) pose significant challenges for freight railroads, causing 31% of broken rails. CSX has enhanced its rail grinding program since 2016, reducing non-testable locations by 98% and TD occurrences by 37%. Effective grinding mitigates the risks of TDs, improves ultrasonic detection, and balances defect removal with rail profile maintenance.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has successfully implemented a rail grinding program to address surface defects like corrugation and rolling contact fatigue. Operating 390 km of track, DMRC’s corrective and preventive measures have improved rail conditions significantly since 2009, leading to reduced wear rates and enhanced wheel/rail dynamics.