Buckles and breaks represent a significant but hidden risk to track engineers, and they must be actively managed to maintain safety and operational efficiency of rail networks. With the increasing effects of climate change, the risk of track failure due to extreme temperatures is growing. With this emerging threat, the active management of rail stress is more critical than ever.
Industry best practice is for railways to manage rail thermal stresses through proactive monitoring and maintenance of the Stress Free Temperature (SFT) of the rail. By establishing and maintaining the SFT for the rails, track engineers can balance the peak tensile and compressive stresses within the rails, minimising the risk of buckles and breaks occurring.

Pandrol extensive capabilities in supporting customers to mitigate the risks associated with Rail Stress Management. Our experience spans the full life cycle of the railway.
This starts with the design of the track structure: Pandrol can design, specify and supply track components that optimise the long term structural integrity of the track.
We specialise in monitoring and maintaining the SFT of rail. By partnering with Pandrol, networks can take a proactive approach to RSM, ensuring efficient network operation. Our proven products support customers around the world maximise track safety, availability and lifetime value.