The reader will follow a fascinating journey of rail, its development and types throughout the world from inception and the initial use of alumino-thermic welding processes through to further development and flash butt welding. Causes of rail breaks and defects are covered with particular mention and discussion of the phenomenon of rolling contact fatigue. Standards adopted by railway administrations are detailed and explained and we cover the inspection, maintenance and repair systems of rails and welds and concludes with future innovations. The Permanent Way Institution now provides the conduit between the infrastructure owners, their suppliers and contractors and all other stakeholders including government agencies. It is essential that we share the most up to date aspects of knowledge in this specialist industry and we are very pleased to have been instrumental in this particular book which is unique across the world.