Metallographic Characterization of a Decauville Narrow-Gauge Rail

Abstract This study characterizes a historical Decauville narrow-gauge rail from Argentina (circa 1884) using metallographic analysis, chemical composition testing, and microhardness measurements. The rail, manufactured by French engineer Paul Decauville's company for portable agricultural and industrial transport, exhibited a hypoeutectoid steel composition (0.52% C) with ferrite-pearlite microstructure showing cold deformation patterns from service stress. Chemical analysis revealed a composition comparable to modern European rail steels, while microhardness values met current rail standards. Macrographic examination confirmed excellent material quality with no manufacturing defects. The study demonstrates that this 19th-century rail achieved contemporary quality standards through controlled manufacturing processes, with service-induced cold deformation enhancing mechanical strength and wear resistance.