Simple Method for Estimating Buckling Temperature of Continuous Welded Rail Considering Lateral Track Irregularities

The setting of the control index for buckling of continuous welded rails in Japan is based on the lowest rail temperature increase at which buckling can theoretically occur. However, there is a considerable difference between the index temperature and the buckling temperature at which actual rail buckling occurs. Therefore, the current buckling control index safety margin may be excessive. In order to improve the accuracy of this control index, it is necessary to estimate the buckling temperature affected by lateral track irregularities. This study proposes a method for easily estimating the buckling temperature of continuous welded rails considering lateral track irregularities measured by a track inspection car.