Railroad Failure Analysis

Prevent costly railroad failures and ensure operational safety with Element's comprehensive failure analysis. Our dedicated experts partner with you throughout the investigation process. We identify root causes in critical rail components before catastrophic issues develop. You’ll receive actionable insights that help you make informed decisions that extend equipment lifespan and meet evolving industry demands with confidence.

I'm trying to...

What is Railroad Failure Analysis at Element?

Railroad Failure Analysis is the systematic investigation of rail component failures to determine root causes and prevent future incidents. With hundreds of moving parts and thousands of pounds of cargo, passengers and equipment, this analysis is critical for maintaining safe operations. At Element, we provide detailed examination of railroad materials, components and systems to help you identify and understand defects, wear patterns and failures.

Two Element testing experts in laboratory safety equipment ready for testing

What Can Element Offer You For Railroad Failure Analysis?

Key tests offered

Element's specialized railroad failure analysis includes comprehensive testing designed to identify both visible and hidden defects in your rail components. We examine wear patterns, conduct detailed microscopic analysis to detect material flaws, and evaluate abrasion resistance to help you understand exactly what caused your component failures and how to prevent similar issues in the future.

Wear and abrasion pattern analysis
Rail seat abrasion
Microscopic examination of material structures
Erosion characteristic measurement
Pitting depth and distribution assessment
Contamination source identification

Components we test

Our failure analysis extends to the microscopic level, examining erosion characteristics, pitting, contamination, and material degradation to identify root causes and develop prevention strategies that keep your operations running safely and efficiently.

Track systems subject to wear and abrasion
Rail seats experiencing abrasion issues
Ballast materials requiring microscopic analysis Components showing signs of erosion
Parts affected by pitting and contamination

Methods and solutions offered

We approach each railroad failure analysis with a systematic methodology that delivers clear, actionable results for your team. Our experts work with you through every step of the investigation process, from initial sample collection to final report delivery, providing data-driven conclusions that help you improve performance and implement effective preventative maintenance programs. Working with us, you can expect:

Root cause determination through advanced analytics
Comprehensive defect analysis using industry-standard methods
Performance improvement recommendations based on test data
Preventative maintenance insights from experienced rail experts
Customized testing protocols for your specific components

Industry advancement through testing

Our rail customers are driving important innovations in equipment and materials development. Your work in creating better ballast systems and improving materials used in ties and track systems is pushing the rail industry forward. Our failure analysis provides the testing support and valuable data you need to speed up your development process and improve performance.

Which labs offer this service

Our team operates from rail, transportation and manufacturing hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest lab on our Locations Page

Standards we test to and components we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

AREMA Chapter 30 requirements

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Risk of catastrophic failures

Our comprehensive failure analysis identifies potential issues before they lead to dangerous incidents or costly downtime. By examining components at microscopic levels, we detect early warning signs that help you implement targeted preventative measures and maintain safe, reliable operations.

Difficult to identify root cause

Our dedicated team of experts applies advanced industry knowledge to determine the root cause of even the most complicated failures. We deliver clear, data-driven conclusions about your components that translate to actionable insights you can implement immediately for improved performance.

Evolving technology demands

As you build new rail technology to meet new demands, – we partner with you to provide valuable data for your development process. We help you understand how innovative materials and components perform under real-world conditions.

Premature component failure increasing costs

Through comprehensive examination of wear patterns, abrasion, and material degradation, we help you identify specific ways to extend the useful life of expensive rail components. Our insights lead to improved maintenance strategies and smarter material selection for better longevity and reduced costs.

Why Choose Element

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

Specialized rail failure expertise

Our team focuses exclusively on railroad equipment analysis, welcomes unique testing challenges, and brings decades of experience to your specific needs.