Topic 26 Frequency of USFD Testing Frequency for

Topic – 26 Frequency of USFD Testing

Frequency for Rails Testing 13: 37 § In view of the revised criteria of defect, the testing frequency of 8 GMT has been prescribed. § After the initial USFD testing of rails in rail manufacturing plant, the subsequent USFD testing needs to be carried out at reduced frequency until the rail have undergone 15% of the service life in GMT. § For rails rolled in April 1999 and later, the reduced frequency shall be 25% instead of 15%.

Frequency for Rails Testing 13: 37 § Rail testing during reduced frequency testing period is to be done using all probes as is being done during normal testing frequency period on passage of every 40 GMT traffic or Eight (08) years, whichever is earlier. § Whenever, rails are not tested in rail manufacturing plant, the reduced frequency testing period shall not be applicable and the rail testing shall be done immediately after its laying in field & thereafter at the periodicity given.

Frequency for Rails Testing 13: 38 Route having GMT USFD Testing Frequency (other than during reduced frequency testing period) All BG Routes ≤ 5 2 years 4 years >5 ≤ 8 12 months 30 months >8 ≤ 12 9 months 20 months >12 ≤ 16 6 months 15 months >16 ≤ 24 4 months 10 months >24 ≤ 40 3 months 6 months >40 ≤ 60 2 months 4 months >60 ≤ 80 1. 5 months 3 months > 80 1 month 2 months USFD testing During Reduced Frequency

Frequency for Rails Testing in Loop Lines NOTEFrequency of Loop line testing is normally decided by the CTE, However the Guidelines about Frequency of Loop Line Testing is mentioned in the book of RDSO as given below- § Loop lines Testing -: USFD testing is all passeger running loop lines shall be done at a frequency of • Once in six month on all ‘A’ Routes. • Once in a year in all other Routes having Route GMT ≥ 5 GMT. • Once in Two Years on Routes having Route GMT <. 5 GMT Item No. 15, Book of RDSO

Frequency of other Specials Testing • Following Component’s testing shall be carried out along with every rail testing • Head Testing SEJ Stock Rail and Tongue Rail - By 700 Probe • Foot Testing SEJ Stock Rail - By 450 Probe • Scabbed & Wheel Burn Rail - By Test RIG with 450 Probes(2 nos) • Turnout Testing (Zone I, II & III)- By 700 Probe § Flange Testing of SEJ Tounge Rail -: • Once in a year – By 700 Probe

Frequency for AT Welds Testing 13: 38 § Testing of Conventional Welds: § Periodic Testing - At Every 40 GMT. § Testing of SKV Welds: Further tests based on route GMT§ Initial acceptance. Annual GMT Frequency >80 1 year § Just after execution >60<=80 1. 5 years (as per AT Weld Manual) >45<=60 2 YEARS § First periodic test – >30<=45 3 YEARS § After One year or 20 GMT >15 <=30 4 YEARS whichever is earlier 0 -15 5 YEARS

Frequency for FB Welds Testing § Periodic Testing of FB weld -: • Frequency of testing with 0˚ & 70˚ probe: • Shall be carried out along with rail testing. • In case of flash butt welds normally there is no need for hand testing (with 45˚ and 70˚probes) of Head, Web & Flange. • However, Chief Engineer may order hand probing with these probes in case failure rates are high in his opinion. Para No. 9. 7, Revised USFD Manual- 2012

CMS X-ing Testing of CMS crossing -: • USFD testing is not applicable on CMS crossing. • However it should be closely obseved by Keyman during his daily patrolling duty for any crack/visual defect.