Service life of steel rails

Judging the service life of steel rails is a comprehensive process that involves multiple factors and evaluation criteria.

1, Service life of steel rails
National standard: According to the national standard GB2585-2010, the service life of steel rails should be determined based on their material, working conditions, and wear, but the maximum service life should not exceed 30 years.
Actual conditions: Under normal circumstances, with no more than 1000 trains per kilometer, the maximum service life of steel rails is about 25 years.

2, Wear and crack of steel rails
Wear condition: Rail wear is one of the main determining factors. The friction between the wheels and the track will wear down the surface of the track, causing a reduction in the height of the rail and a depression in the rail surface. Excessive wear and tear can reduce the safety performance of railway transportation and accelerate the aging of steel rails.
Crack length: The generation and development of surface cracks on steel rails are one of the main causes of rail scrap. Steel rails with crack lengths exceeding 15mm need to be replaced immediately.

3, Corrosion of steel rails
Corrosion depth: The outer surface of the steel rail will be corroded during use, resulting in corrosion, indentation, rusting, and other conditions. If the corrosion depth exceeds 2mm, it is necessary to consider replacing the steel rail with a new one.

4, Other influencing factors
Stress deformation: The stress impact on the steel rail during train passage may cause it to deform, resulting in vertical and horizontal displacement. This will affect the safety and stability of the train.
Material quality: The material of the steel rail directly affects its service life. High quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes can ensure the high strength of steel rails and extend their service life.
Usage environment: Regional environmental factors (such as climate, rain, salt spray, etc.) can cause corrosion and wear on steel rails, shortening their lifespan.

Transportation mode: High speed trains cause greater impact than regular trains, resulting in more severe rail wear.

To determine the service life of steel rails, multiple factors need to be considered comprehensively. In practical operation, the rails should be regularly inspected and maintained, and their wear, cracks, and corrosion should be recorded. Combined with factors such as usage environment and transportation mode, their service life should be comprehensively evaluated. When the steel rail experiences severe wear, cracks, or corrosion, it should be replaced or repaired in a timely manner to ensure the safety and stability of railway transportation.