A NEW METHOD FOR THE ROUTINE MEASUREMENT OF RAIL HEAD CORRUGATIONS

A method of determining short wave (50-80 mm) rail head corrugations based on the processing of axle-box accelerations is described. The method is approximate but the simplicity of the technique coupled with the ability to make the measurement at high speed from standard track inspection vehicles makes the system attractive. The technique has been in use on BR, as a means of obtaining data to schedule remedial grinding, since 1982.