Fatigue Strength Analysis of Rail Fastening Baseplate

Superstructural elements of a railway track experience dynamic loads varying over time. As a consequence, this is accompanied by the initiation and accumulation of fatigue damages. Defects in intermediate rail fastening are quite difficult to identify using flaw detection methods, and some can be destructed. In particular, rail fastening baseplates often fail due to insufficient fatigue strength.Purpose: To investigate the fatigue strength of rail fastening baseplate.Methodology: Development of the mathematical model of deformation based on the finite element method (FEM). Strength analysis of the baseplate using the model of a variable-thickness slab resting on a nonlinear elastic foundation. The latter is modeled by a set of rods with nonlinear deformation and parameters determined by compression tests of the baseplate. A mathematical model developed in COSMOS software for the FE analysis of the stress-strain state of the baseplate at a time-varying load from rolling equipment and assembly forces from attaching the baseplate to the sleeper and rail.Research findings: The cyclic loading parameters are obtained at dangerous points of the baseplate and its durability is analyzed at different loads with respect to unevenness of track settlement and failure of bolt connections of rail fasteners. The influence of these factors on actual loads on the rail fastener is determined. It is found that the service life of the baseplate mainly depends on the dynamic load.