RISK BASED ULTRASONIC RAIL TEST SCHEDULING ON BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE

The Federal Railroad Administration requires railroads operating Class 3 track and above to perform a continuous search for internal rail defects. These regulations provide minimum guidelines for test frequency, scheduling, and railroad tests more frequently to minimize the probability of service defects that may occur and thus minimizing the risk and cost of derailment. Derailments caused by rail defects are a major and cost on average in excess of $200,000. Efforts have been made to minimize service failures and risk of derailments through more effective ultrasonic testing.