Friction Management Solutions

Friction management plays a pivotal role in optimizing the wheel-rail interaction, ensuring smooth and safe rail operations. By controlling traction forces at the wheel-rail contact, friction management enhances the longevity of wheels and rails, reduces wear and tear, and minimizes the risk of derailments.

Global Rail Group’s tailored friction management programs are designed to deliver optimal performance and cost-effective results as part of an overall rail management strategy.
Global Rail Group’s tailored friction management programs are designed to deliver optimal performance and cost-effective results as part of an overall rail management strategy.

Tailored Solutions for Optimal Performance

Global Rail Group offers a comprehensive suite of friction management services, encompassing audits, program development, and economic modeling.
Our friction management service encompasses a range of critical activities, including:
Field Inspection

Conducting thorough inspections to assess wear, corrugation, wheel flats, and other issues affecting rail performance.

Field Inspection

Conducting thorough inspections to assess wear, corrugation, wheel flats, and other issues affecting rail performance.

Unit Inspection

Evaluating the operating condition, settings, and functionality of existing friction management units, whether wayside or train-mounted.

Unit Inspection

Evaluating the operating condition, settings, and functionality of existing friction management units, whether wayside or train-mounted.

Advisory Services

Providing expert advice on installation, maintenance, and implementation improvements to optimize friction management effectiveness.

Advisory Services

Providing expert advice on installation, maintenance, and implementation improvements to optimize friction management effectiveness.

Demonstration

Conducting on-site demonstrations to showcase the effectiveness of friction management in reducing forces and noise.

Demonstration

Conducting on-site demonstrations to showcase the effectiveness of friction management in reducing forces and noise.

Lubricant Evaluation

By tapping into our expert partner network, Global Rail Group can also assess the effectiveness of lubricants through visual inspection, tribometer measurements, and laboratory evaluations.

Lubricant Evaluation

By tapping into our expert partner network, Global Rail Group can also assess the effectiveness of lubricants through visual inspection, tribometer measurements, and laboratory evaluations.

Systemwide Planning

Developing comprehensive plans for the optimal placement of wayside units based on lubricant carry-down distance and track curvature.

Systemwide Planning

Developing comprehensive plans for the optimal placement of wayside units based on lubricant carry-down distance and track curvature.

Modeling

Utilizing wheel - rail interaction modeling to illustrate the benefits of friction management compared to baseline operating conditions.

Modeling

Utilizing wheel - rail interaction modeling to illustrate the benefits of friction management compared to baseline operating conditions.

Proof of Concept

Implementing proof of concept trials over extended periods to demonstrate the significant improvements in wheel-rail performance.

Proof of Concept

Implementing proof of concept trials over extended periods to demonstrate the significant improvements in wheel-rail performance.

Economic Analysis

Developing life cycle costing and return on investment models to support decision-making and investment planning.

Economic Analysis

Developing life cycle costing and return on investment models to support decision-making and investment planning.

Global Rail Group’s advanced rail management services are a sum-total of all individual our services, including friction management services.
Global Rail Group is at the forefront of driving efficiency and innovation in this realm.
Global Rail Group is at the forefront of driving efficiency and innovation in this realm.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Friction Management

By refining friction management programs, clients can realize significant improvements in operational efficiency, safety, and Wheel/Rail longevity.
Investing in friction management yields numerous benefits, including:

Reduction or elimination of rail corrugation and wheel squeal.

Reduction or elimination of rail corrugation and wheel squeal.

Dramatic reductions in rail and wheel wear, extending maintenance intervals.

Dramatic reductions in rail and wheel wear, extending maintenance intervals.

Enhanced rail inspection quality and reduced track support system deterioration.

Enhanced rail inspection quality and reduced track support system deterioration.

Large reductions in lateral forces, minimizing wear and damage risks.

Large reductions in lateral forces, minimizing wear and damage risks.

Often serves as a reliable alternative to rail treatment that maintains the asset's lifespan.

Often serves as a reliable alternative to rail treatment that maintains the asset's lifespan.

Global Rail Group's friction management solutions empower railroad operators to unlock the full potential of their infrastructure.
Global Rail Group's friction management solutions empower railroad operators to unlock the full potential of their infrastructure.
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