Limits for acceptable use of recycled rail on UK standard gauge heritage railways

The UK heritage railway HR sector is very significant economically, providing direct and indirect income from tourism, often in areas with relatively little other economic activity. The railways commonly use worn rail cascaded from other uses including the main line network. Both HR managers and regulators responsible for safety have difficulty in deciding how safe such rail is for use.

This project builds on previous work to determine scientifically-based safety limits. A fracture mechanics form of analysis is proposed but details of fractures actually present on HR lines will need to be measured and analysed and further work on non-structural failure such as flange-climb on worn components and the robustness of S&C components will be necessary.

The project is expected to include onsite measurement using ultrasonic techniques or similar, statistical analysis, analytical calculations and wheel-rail modelling.