In May 2016 Rio Tinto Iron Ore engaged Lycopodium to undertake a site assessment of various sections of the Pilbara rail network to review track stability and the interactions between in-train braking forces and track stability.
Lycopodium was referred to Rio Tinto due to many years of quality services delivered across other private heavy haul rail networks.
In undertaking the assessment the Lycopodium study team assessed condition data, train performance and indicators of rail creep at known critical areas. Additional data was captured during the assessment such as rail stress measurements.
The process involved:
- Independent track stability assessment
- Root cause analysis
- Rail stress measurements
- Temporary and permanent repair recommendations
