Measurement Methods for Residual Stresses in CWR

Continuously welded rails are a part of the track structure since the 1950s. Total stresses in continuously welded rails include residual stresses generated during the manufacturing process as well as the service life of rails. The control of rail stresses is very important for traffic safety. Measurement methods for residual stress in rails are presented in this paper. Since destructive measurement methods are unsuitable for use in the railway track, the modern non-destructive methods were particularly presented and discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of X-ray diffraction, ultrasonic, magnetic and electromagnetic methods are particularly explained and considered.