Method for evaluating the performance of railway crossing rails after long-term service

In this paper, we present a method for evaluating the performance of railway crossing rails after long-term service. The method includes 1) 3D profile and hardness measurements; 2) finite element simulation of wheel/rail interaction; and 3) numerical prediction of rail degradation. We conducted a case study on a crossing that had been in service for several years. The results indicate that the crossing experienced a run-in process in the major traffic direction, manifested as a widening of the running band, an enlargement of the contact patch size, a decrease in contact stress and eventually a reduction in plastic deformation and wear. However, the wheel/rail interaction was exacerbated in the minor traffic direction which induced more severe plastic deformation and wear.