Field Application of Austenitic Filler Metals for Repairing Rail Surface Defects in Paved Tracks
Publication Name: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 1258 LNNS
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 87-95
Description:
Previous research by the authors identified a welding technology to repair rail defects in tramways with partial disassembly and partial preheating, with the following main advantages for the operator: the process can be carried out during operational downtime or even during traffic, disassembly, and repair costs are reduced, and traffic disruption is reduced compared to conventional hard surfacing welding technologies. After welding, the hardening under traffic should approach the vehicle wheels’ hardness values (310–350 HB). In the track measurements under investigation, welds were made on two different rail grades using austenitic weld metal with high elongation relative to the rails, which was also compared with welds made by conventional hard surfacing welding. The present study aims to determine the hardening function of austenitic dowel bars at different layer counts by performing continuous hardness measurements at the investigated sites. The hardening shows a power function at the initial stage and a linear trend after about 2.5 million MGT.
Open Access: Yes