Die Schiene als Fahrbahn

Up to a depth of 3 to 5 mm below the running surface, and where wheel and rail come into contact, the rail is subject to high stress. Given an insufficient rated strength of the rail steel, this can lead to shelling, while if the rated strength is too high and rail head wear too low, the result can be headchecks and squats. Preventive rail grinding can avoid headchecks and squats, obviating the need for early rail replacement.