Development of a methodology for researching the technical condition of elements of the upper structure of railway track

To date, several specific methods have been developed for conducting a railway transport expertise to study the circumstances of a railway accident. The study of the technical condition of the elements of the upper structure of a railway track is a significant diagnostic task in forensic railway transport expertise. The need for such expertise arises from pre-trial investigation bodies, courts, legal entities, and individuals when resolving economic and civil disputes, such as criminal and administrative cases. The study aims to describe the order (algorithm) for determining the technical condition of elements of the upper structure of a railway track. This work is based on modern scientific research in forensic railway transport expertise and regulatory and technical documentation. To study the technical condition of the railway track's upper structure elements, it is necessary to develop an appropriate method. This study gives the conditions for appointing forensic experts for railway transport. The main criteria for the track's good condition and the requirements it must meet are described. The result of this study is the development of an algorithm to investigate the technical condition of the elements of the upper structure of the railway track in forensic science.