Methodology for statistical analysis of squat rail defects

Abstract

This paper proposes a methodology for statistical analysis of data obtained by visual inspection of squat defects on the rail head. Rail inspection by visual observation, including measurement of the squat defect position and depth was performed in Pančevo Varoš railway station in 2017. The obtained data about the squat rail defect (defect type 227 according to the UIC 712) on the main tracks was analysed in this paper. The rail defect position was determined regarding the position of the nearest sleeper in the track. Statistical analysis of the occurrence of squat rail defect was conducted according to the performed visual inspection in the field. Statistical data processing was performed for tracks zones according to the vertical stiffness of rail support. Furthermore, the impact of traffic load, the type and the arrangement of sleepers on the appearance of the squat rail defect was considered.