NR RT/CE/PWSI/008 ISSUE 1 PDF

Introduction

This instruction contains additional guidance on hand grinding to remove and manage rolling contact fatigue cracks. This PWSI contains instructions specific to hand or single stone grinding and supersedes guidance on hand grinding contained in the current issue of PWSI 4. Additional guidance is available in "The Treatment of Rolling Contact Fatigue by Hand Grinding" Good Practice Guide, RT/PWG/002, dated July 2001, although this document has priority.

This instruction is primarily aimed at the treatment of rolling contact fatigue in S&C although the requirements can be applied to plain rail where hand grinding can be successfully used on short isolated lengths.

Hand grinding, when carried out effectively, can successfully remove short lengths of rolling contact fatigue and reduce the rate at which it will return. It is a basic means of maintaining rails in switches and crossings, being used to remove lipping and optimise rail profile.

Grinding will be most effective if the condition of the track is good. Alignment and top faults, dipped welds or joints, and defective or loose components should be rectified before hand grinding is carried out.