Protran Technology’s RailTest model is a comprehensive ultrasonic testing frequency scheduling tool that utilizes actual railroad data to forecast the frequency with which rail segments should be tested ultrasonically. The model uses extensive research performed by the Federal Department of Transportation, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, and Protran Technology.
RailTest utilizes statistical and empirical techniques for forecasting future rail failure rates, probability of failed defect detection, and growth rates of rail flaws. The test frequency is then determined for a threshold level of risk for each specific track segment based on properties of the track and the max desired level of risk. RailTest will determine if the current test frequency is too high, too low, or correct for maintaining the target level of risk.
