Weld and Track Inspection – Visual and Electronic

Weld Inspection

Each aluminothermic weld installed on Network Rail infrastructure is required to be visually inspected within one calendar month of installation (NR/L2/TRK/032). TWS currently employ 2 Network Rail approved Visual Weld inspectors, each of whom is available for independent inspection of any aluminothermic welds.

A full inspection report is completed for every weld inspected, containing any remedial work required and minimum time scales for this work to be completed, as required by NR/L2/TRK/032.

Ultrasonic inspection of plain line and welds can be undertaken; and from working on major contracts, such as Croydon Tram and the Jubilee Line Extension, we have been responsible for the ultrasonic inspection of more Thermit welds than any other business operating in the UK.

R2S  Surface Scanner

Our Rail Surface Scanner corrugation and straightness measuring device is used to survey the longitudinal profile of the railhead.

An internal magnetic probe allows non-contact measurement of the railhead, to give fast data accumulation and recording of the running surface and running edge.

The R2S is lightweight and weather resistant making it an operator-friendly piece of equipment. The device is powered by AA rechargeable batteries, which enable the internal motor to drive the magnetic probe along the length of the device whilst measuring the distance between the rail surface and the face of the probe. Two spacers on the outside casing ensure the correct positioning of the device on the rail, with the measurement being initiated by the touch of a button. The immediate measurement is displayed graphically and numerically on the display screen of the control, typically an iPAQ or Nomad.

Before the measurements are taken, information about the location of the track can be entered through the keyboard of the control, which will ensure the measurements are recorded in strict order of examination; invaluable when surveying tram and light rail systems. Once all measurements are taken, the data can be downloaded by data transfer to a PC and can be viewed through several different configurations. There is also the option of supplying printed copies of individual measurements.

Applications include:

• Measurement of Corrugations
• Weld and joint straightness
• Rail end batter and wear