Integrated rail asset management by rail milling

摘要

Rail rectification is a well-established process in modern rail asset management that has proven to extend the life of rails and wheels in different railway systems worldwide. Traditionally, rail grinding is used to manage rail degradation by applying different strategies such as preventive or cyclic maintenance. Another available maintenance technology is the relatively young but worldwide used and accepted rail milling technology. In contrast to the abrasive grinding process, milling is a rotary cutting process that is capable of low as well as substantial metal removal rates in one milling pass. Rail milling can reliably and efficiently correct the rail condition almost independently of the level of degradation. Therefore, this technology can be applied for the before mentioned strategies as well as for corrective or restorative approaches. By comparing rail grinding and rail milling, it can be seen that the limitations of one technology can be compensated by the strengths of the other and vice versa. This article will specifically look at milling applications examples in heavy haul and transit environments with a focus on the f rst milling operation in North America. How milling is used to successfully restore a degraded rail (mainline track and switches) to an "as new" condition is highlighted. By combining traditional rail maintenance strategies with advanced rail milling technology it is possible to create integrated, modern rail asset management that will maximise rail life while at the same time minimising operational and maintenance costs.