Production and Inspection of Railroad Rails

Of all rolled steel sections railroad rail is subjected to the most rigorous service conditions. Exposed to atmospheric corrosion all the time and having no protective coating, it is subjected under constantly varying conditions of stresses of of all kinds, such as, high compression, bending stresses, combination of stresses, impact, vibration, friction and wear. It is a vital part of railroad operations and is a difficult section to roll. With the advancement of speed of travel, increase of axle load, use of different kinds of locomotives more and more has been expected of rail. In order to meet these requirements rail should have greatest possible transverse strength, adequate metal for wear, should have a wide base of fastening to the slippers and last but not the least, it should have the lightest section possible to effect economy.