As part of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) program, MxV Rail studied computational methods of evaluating switch point derailment risk associated with wheel/rail interaction. The methodology presented in this Technology Digest provides a means of assessing derailment risk at switch points with the goal of enhancing both wheel and rail inspection and maintenance processes to reduce risk. INTRODUCTION To safely guide rail vehicles from one track to an adjacent track, turnouts employ moving components, complex track geometry, and unique rail profile transitions—all of which present challenges not found in standard track. Turnouts in rail yards generally present a greater derailment risk than mainline turnouts for several reasons, including turnout design and maintenance standards. Mainline turnout designs have longer lead lengths and less curvature than typical yard turnouts. The shorter, sharper curvature of yard turnouts can result in increased wheel/rail forces. Additionally, yard turnouts typically have…