The Importance of Rail Inspections in the Urban Area -Aspect of Head Checking Rail Defects

Control of railway noise is very significant part of the urban traffic policy. An increase of railway noise could significantly reduce the quality of life of citizens. This paper analyzes and suggests necessary measures for managing railway noise and traffic safety by rail inspection and grinding. It considers and suggests inspection methods for early detection of head checking (HC) rail defects. Otherwise, HC defects could lead to rail cracks and breakages that might endanger the traffic safety. In addition, this paper examines the real limits of non-destructive methods for detecting HC defects in track in service. Combining several non-destructive inspection methods and rail grinding are recommended for efficient railway noise control in the urban area.