RailTec system: extending the life of bolted rail

The author identifies the recent developments in the technology of fatigue enhancement of rail joints and summarizes the industry's testing results. Particular attention is given to the Railroad Cold Expansion System (RailTec). After years of testing, the split sleeve cold expansion system has been proven to enhance the life of bolted rail by minimizing bolt hole fatigue cracking. Using this process, there is an elimination or significant reduction of fatigue crack growth in the bolt hole region of the rail web. It is concluded that the RailTec system substantially reduces a major cause of rail failure and minimizes track inspection and maintenance costs. >