| Code: 150922 |

Fatigue crack detection system developed

TINNews |

 A prototype system for identifying fatigue cracks at switches and crossings has been developed by TWI Ltd with funding from RSSB and Network Rail. ​

Based on technology used for the long-range testing of pipelines, it uses a low frequency ultrasonic method which is less affected by the cast steel structure than conventional ultrasonic testing, allowing the whole length of the crossing to be monitored including the inaccessible underside of the rails.

Tests showed the system could successfully detect an existing fatigue crack, and also provided coverage along the whole of the rail crossing to at least 14 m.

TWI Ltd is now seeking further funding to assess the performance of the prototype under operational conditions.

 

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