Change in the Properties of Rail Steels during Operation and Reutilization of Rails

The paper considers the possibility of reusing previously used railway rails. analysis is conducted using standards and operating conditions rails one Central Asian states, Kazakhstan, as an example. operation these causes significant stresses, while surface layers are strengthened a result cold hammering. These phenomena significantly change physical mechanical characteristics As result, they may not be suitable in terms parameters for basic use but can installation on other tracks. studies have shown that when standard service life RP65 rail expires, layer deformed to depth up 300 microns, hardness increases, internal residual stresses formed. changes lead increase strength properties However, at same time, cracks originate rail, thus worsening operational characteristics. under cyclic load 700 kN (which determined by national standard), withstanding 790,000 cycles. When reduced 510 kN, withstand 2,000,000 cycles required without failure. Thus, reutilized only non-loaded non-critical sections.