ON-TRACS: Rapid Rail Tension Measurement System.

Most modern rail installations use a 'continuously welded rail' which, because of the lack of expansion joints, is laid with a pre- tension as determined by the temperature extremes to be experienced. In order to maintain safe operation during service it is necessary to have a method of measuring residual rail tension (or compression) in situ. Current methods are time consuming and invasive, limiting their application. A prototype will be built which demonstrates a new method to produce a much faster, non invasive and more convenient method.