New Rail Replacement Period Reflecting Results of Bending Fatigue Tests in High-cycle Region

Abstract

To estimate the service life of rails, it is necessary to clarify the relationship between the stress and the number of loading cycles needed to reach breaking point through bending fatigue tests. In the previous studies, bending fatigue tests were conducted under high stress levels exceeding the stress generated on real tracks. In this study, bending fatigue tests were carried out under lower stress level conditions, and the service life of rails was estimated reflecting the results obtained in high cycle regions. Based on the results of these tests, this paper suggests it may be possible to extend the period between rail replacements.