Rail degradation due to thermite weld discontinuities: Field experience

This paper details the field-testing approach and results of thermite welds used in railway applications. Rail steels made from R260 grades are welded by two different processes: standard process according to European standards, a recent technology. Welds introduced same testing location ensure comparable loading conditions aim studying their degradation behaviours. The total testing-period is 6 months. During in-service period, surface hardness running band, area, recurrently measured. For an accurate assessment field results, vehicle/track interaction (VTI) model evaluated expected dynamic loads induced initial vertical irregularities.