Executive Analysis of the Rail Stress Testing Market in France, Germany and the United Kingdom

Stringent Safety Standards Support Uptake of Rail Stress Testing Equipment

Rail stress testing in primary European rail markets, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, is set to gain importance in the wake of tightening safety standards and as a result of the extreme weather conditions faced by these countries. Technology innovation and wider product availability with enhanced product flexibility will spur demand. Increasing public awareness coupled with the demand for safety in rail networks has triggered the modernisation of track infrastructure and maintenance plans, says the analyst of this research. Extreme climate conditions as a result of global warming, is making track sections more vulnerable and are causing normal track sections to run the risk of buckling. However, high track maintenance standards and regular check ups deter the need for stress testing. This is hampering the uptake of rail stress testing equipment. This is exacerbated by the fact that previously available stress testing technologies were highly inconvenient and complicated. Currently, stress in rails is not monitored; an ultrasonic car measures weakness like cracks but stress, as such, is not measured. In local situations, stress will be measured only when there is a problem. However, for regular maintenance, there is no stress testing. Heavy maintenance rules prevent any risk of buckling. A product with higher convenience and flexibility that can effectively demonstrate maintenance cost-saving potential will gain popularity, notes the analyst. Moreover, a product that offers the benefits of increased safety through enhanced stress testing will find increased acceptance among network operators and help come over the challenges restraining its usage.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following areas in this research:

• Rail network maintenance
• Rail transportation
• Rail infrastructure

By Country:

• France
• Germany
• United Kingdom