Development of an intermediate strength, as-rolled micro-alloyed rail grade for the Australian rail industry

Rail grades produced within Australia have been limited to the as-rolled and heat-treated (head hardened) C-Mn grades since commencement of rail production at the Whyalla Steelworks. The characteristics of these two grades are reflected in the current Australian standard for steel rails. In response to the increasing performance requirements placed upon rails in both freight and passenger sectors, a new intermediate strength rail grade has been developed. The composition of this grade is based upon previous research associated with the development of micro-alloyed wheel grades which are now firmly established within the Australian rail industry, but with further modifications to achieve the desired mechanical properties in a hotrolled product manufactured using continuously-cast feed. Flashbutt welding trials have been carried out using both fixed and mobile welding equipment to develop recommended welding procedures, which no longer include the requirement for accelerated cooling (air quenching) to achieve the required weld hardness levels. Aluminothermic welding trials have also been conducted using consumables manufactured by both suppliers to the Australian rail industry. In-track testing of the new rail grade under iron ore freight operations within the Whyalla steelworks is in progress, with further trials planned for metropolitan passenger and heavy haul operations.

• Record URL:
  http://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/Detail.aspx?ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=MjM4MQ==&sID=Mjg=&ph=VHJ1ZQ==&qcf=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&bckToL=VHJ1ZQ==
• Authors:
  • Murgas I
  • Mutton P
• Conference:
  • CORE 2014, Rail transport for a vital economy, conference on railway engineering, Adelaide, South Australia, 5-7 May 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 8p. ; PDF
• Monograph Title: Rail transport for a vital economy: CORE 2014: conference on railway engineering, 5-7 May 2014, Adelaide, South Australia

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Railroad rails; Standards; Steel; Tests; Welding
• ATRI Terms: Railway track; Steel; Test; Welding
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01545165
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Nov 25 2014 10:19AM