Protection in harsh conditions

British Steel has a long history of providing solutions to customer issues. Our Zinoco coated rail is an example that provides corrosion protection to rails in harsh corrosive conditions. Locations that typically give rise to corrosion issues are:

• Level crossing / railroad crossing / grade crossing
• Tunnel / Underpass / Overbridge
• Coastal routes
• Sabkhas (salt pans)

Corrosive environments can reduce rail life vastly, with unprotected rail lifetimes below six months being reported in some instances. Whilst loss of rail section due to corrosion can occur generally or in more localised areas (e.g. around rail fastenings) it is also important to note that foot fatigue failures often occur as a result of foot corrosion. Corrosion pits (often unseen) on the bottom of the rail can initiate fatigue cracks which can then grow undetected, resulting in rail failure.