Influence of stress relieving and straightening on the fatigue and toughness behaviour of rails

ABSTRACT The straightness of rails and their fatigue and toughness behaviour are a central concern for railroads. But straightness and “in service” behaviour are two conflicting characteristics of a rail, as a result of the internal stresses generally induced by straightening. This paper analyses the effect of different straightening processes on the fatigue and toughness behaviour of rails, using both standard specimens and rail coupons.