en 13674 1

FINAL DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD prEN 13674-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2002
ICS 45.080
English version
Railway applications - Track - Rail - Part 1: Vignole railway rails

46 kg/m and above
Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Rail - Partie 1: Rails Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Schienen - Teil 1: Vignole
vignole de masse supérieure ou égale à 46 kg/m Breitfußschienen ab 46 kg/m
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for formal vote. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC
256.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13674-1:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Contents
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................7
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................7
3 Terms and definitions....................................................................................................................................8
4 Information to be supplied by the purchaser..............................................................................................8
5 Steel grades....................................................................................................................................................9
6 Profile drawings/properties/mass ..............................................................................................................10
7 Manufacture..................................................................................................................................................10
7.1 Product integrity ..........................................................................................................................................10
7.1.1 Factory production control .........................................................................................................................10
7.1.2 Best practice manufacture..........................................................................................................................10
7.2 Blooms ..........................................................................................................................................................10
7.3 Rails...............................................................................................................................................................10
7.4 Identification.................................................................................................................................................10
1.1.1 Branding .......................................................................................................................................................10
7.4.2 Hot stamping ................................................................................................................................................11
7.4.3 Cold stamping ..............................................................................................................................................11
7.4.4 Other identification ......................................................................................................................................11
8 Qualifying tests ............................................................................................................................................12
1.1 Procedure .....................................................................................................................................................12
8.2 Fracture toughness (KIc) .............................................................................................................................12
8.2.1 Test pieces and test methods.....................................................................................................................12

8.2.2 Qualifying criteria ........................................................................................................................................12
8.3 Fatigue crack growth rate ...........................................................................................................................13
8.3.1 Test method..................................................................................................................................................13
8.3.2 Test pieces....................................................................................................................................................13
1.1.3 Number of tests and test conditions .........................................................................................................13
8.4 Fatigue test ...................................................................................................................................................13
8.4.1 Test method..................................................................................................................................................13
8.4.2 Test pieces....................................................................................................................................................14
8.4.3 Number of tests and test conditions .........................................................................................................14
8.5 Residual stress in rail foot ..........................................................................................................................14
8.5.1 Test method..................................................................................................................................................14
8.5.2 Test pieces....................................................................................................................................................14
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8.5.3 Measurements..............................................................................................................................................14
8.6 Variation of centre line running surface hardness of heat treated rails ................................................14
8.7 Tensile strength and elongation ................................................................................................................15
8.8 Segregation ..................................................................................................................................................15
8.9 Other qualifying requirements ...................................................................................................................16
9 Acceptance tests .........................................................................................................................................16
9.1 Laboratory tests...........................................................................................................................................16
9.1.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................16
9.1.2 Chemical composition.................................................................................................................................16
9.1.3 Microstructure..............................................................................................................................................20
9.1.4 Decarburisation............................................................................................................................................21
9.1.5 Oxide cleanness...........................................................................................................................................21
9.1.6 Sulfur prints..................................................................................................................................................21
9.1.7 Hardness.......................................................................................................................................................22
9.1.8 Tensile tests .................................................................................................................................................22
9.1.9 Retest procedures .......................................................................................................................................23
9.2 Dimension tolerances..................................................................................................................................23
9.2.1 Profile ............................................................................................................................................................23
9.2.2 Straightness, surface flatness and twist ...................................................................................................24
9.2.3 Cutting and drilling ......................................................................................................................................27
9.3 Gauges..........................................................................................................................................................27
9.4 Inspection requirements/tolerances for internal quality and surface quality .......................................27
9.4.1 Ultrasonic test requirements ......................................................................................................................27
9.4.2 Surface quality .............................................................................................................................................29
Annex A (normative) Rail profiles ...........................................................................................................................44
Annex B (normative) Standard test method for the determination of the plane strain fracture
toughness (KIc) of rails ...............................................................................................................................68
Annex C (normative) Method for the determination of rail foot surface longitudinal residual stresses .........74
Annex D (normative) Limiting sulfur prints ............................................................................................................77
Annex E (normative) Profile and drilling gauges...................................................................................................91
Annex F (informative) Comparison of steel designations referred to in this standard compared to
those in EN 10027-1 and EN 10027-2 .......................................................................................................105
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or other
provisions of EU Directives. .....................................................................................................................106
Bibliograhy ..............................................................................................................................................................107
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Foreword
This document prEN 13674-1:2002 has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN /TC 256, "Railway
applications", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the Formal Vote.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
The most commonly used standards of the world for the supply of railway rails have been reviewed during the
preparation of this standard. However, modern rail production technology and the requirements of high speed
railways within the Community have demanded a completely new look at the philosophy and content of this part of
EN 13674.
Whenever possible this part of EN 13674 is performance based, recognises the European Quality System standard
EN ISO 9001 and requires manufacturers to offer the latest proven technology to consistently satisfy the
demanding quality of the required product.
This part of EN 13674 has two major divisions:
1) qualifying tests;
2) acceptance tests.
The qualifying tests introduce a number of performance requirements not previously seen in national or
international standards. They also include typical results from relevant acceptance tests.
Rail grading is based on hardness rather than tensile strength.
The acceptance tests have been designed to control those characteristics of the rail steel and rail that are of
relevance to the production of high quality rails and the demands of the railway.
The steel grades covered by this part of EN 13674 reflect trends in railway usage and heat treated rails are
included. The standard includes rail profiles for Vignole rails having a linear mass 46 kg/m and above.
To ensure the supply of high quality rails, some restrictions on production processes have been imposed.
This part of EN 13674 is the first of a series of standards for rails.
Railway applications-Track :
 Part 1: Vignole railway rails 46 kg/m and above
 Part 2: Switch and crossing rails used in conjunction with Vignole railway rails 46 kg/m and above
 Part 3: Check rails
 Part 4: Vignole railway rails from 27 kg/m to, but excluding 46 kg/m
Other standards planned for publication include the following:
Special purpose rail-Part 1:Grooved and associated construction.
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Flash butt welding of new rails 220 and 260 grade rails in a fixed plant.
Flash butt welding of new 260 Mn and 350 HT grade rails in a fixed plant.
Flash butt welding of new 220 and 260 grade rails by mobile welding machines at sites other than at a fixed plant.
Flash butt welding of 220 and 260 grade reusable rails.
Flash butt welding in association with crossing construction.
Approval of aluminothermic welding processes.
Tests for qualification of aluminothermic welders, approval of contractors and acceptance of welds.
Restoration of rails by electric arc welding.
Annexes A, B, C, D and E are normative. Annex F is informative.
This document includes a Bibliography.
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Introduction
This Introduction provides an explanation of the concepts, and reasoning used in the production of this standard.
Its inclusion also ensures that during future revisions restrictions are removed as technology progresses and to
hold them where it has not, thus ensuring continued safety as new producers, products and technologies are
introduced.
The standard supersedes other standards covered by the scope and applies to all procurements falling inside the
th
requirements of the European Procurement Directive (93/38/EEC of 14 June 1993). In addition CEN required,
where possible, a performance based standard, taking into account safety implications and at the same time
addressing modern production technology and the requirements of high-speed railways. As a result of the Directive
it was recognised that there would be few opportunities (and these would have to be for transparent safety
considerations) for derogation from the standard to operate between the user and the manufacturer.
The standard reflects this change in philosophy from the traditional content of rail standards. A review was
undertaken of the most commonly used rail standards of the world. All relevant aspects important to both user and
manufacturer were considered with the aim of ensuring that all of the content had specific usefulness and
relevance. For example rail grading and much of the standard has been based on hardness rather than tensile
strength. Whilst the two are directly related, hardness is very quick and cheap to carry out and provides more
relevant guidance to the user particularly where properties vary in different parts of the profile.
Since many rail manufacturers would have not have previously carried out proving trials, the standard includes a
prerequisite for all manufacturers to prove conformity against a set of qualifying test criteria at the time of tendering.
The Qualifying tests include all “normal” acceptance test results plus new ‘type-casting’ features such as fracture
toughness, fatigue and residual stress. To provide users with the necessary confidence, acceptance limits have
been based on results from rail known to have performed well in demanding track installations.
One aspect of the standard which is a complete break from tradition is the inclusion of quality assurance and
inspection clause as part of product integrity.
In order that quality management systems are consistent across all manufacturers and that users have the best
assurance for the consistency of required product quality on this safety critical component of the track, the rail
standard recommends that the manufacturers quality assurance systems are at least equivalent to the
requirements of EN ISO 9001. The inclusion of this requirement also reduces the need to incorporate detailed
method and calibration descriptions on items such as normal chemical composition determination and the need to
define more extensive testing.
Ideally manufacturing techniques should not be referenced in a product standard. However, some rail attributes are
either not known in an exact manner or are not measurable with satisfactory statistical significance. In such cases
best practice manufacturing techniques have been included as a last resort. The equipment specified is that which
gives the best probability of achieving the required product for use in track. In the future new technology can add
to, but preferably will reduce or delete such items.
Examples of areas where the technological state of the art renders the standard less than complete include:
 oxide/oxygen relationships;
 hydrogen test techniques;
 roller straightening effects on residual stresses;
 roller straightening effects on contact scrub;
 measurement and effect of residual stresses throughout the rail.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies Vignole railway rails of 46 kg/m and greater linear mass, for general and high
speed railway track usage.
Seven pearlitic steel grades are specified covering a hardness range of 200 to 390 HBW and include non heat
treated carbon manganese steels; non heat treated alloy steels; and heat treated carbon manganese and low alloy
steels.
There are 21 rail profiles specified in this Standard.
Two classes of rail straightness are specified, differing in requirements for straightness, surface flatness and crown
profile. Two classes of profile tolerances are specified.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 10002-1, Metallic materials - Tensile testing - Part 1: Method of test at ambient temperature.
EN 10163-1, Delivery requirements for surface condition of hot rolled steel plates, wide flats and sections - Part 1:
General requirements.
EN 10276-1, Chemical analysis of ferrous materials - Determination of oxygen in steel and iron – Part 1: Sampling
and preparation of steel samples for oxygen determination
EN ISO 6506-1, Metallic materials – Brinell hardness test – Part 1: Test method (ISO 6506-1:1999).
ISO 1099, Metals - Axial load fatigue testing.
ISO 4968, Steel - Macrographic examination by sulfur print (Baumann method).
BS 6835-1, Method for determination of the rate of fatigue crack growth in metallic materials - Fatigue crack growth
rates of above 10-8 m per cycle.
DIN 50602, Microscopic examination of special steels using standard diagrams to assess the content of
non-metallic inclusions.
ASTM E399, Standard test method for plane strain fracture toughness of metallic materials.
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3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
heat
one liquid steel melt tapped out of a converter or electric arc furnace which includes after continuous casting a
given number of blooms relating to the weight of the heat and the extension of the mixing zone. In the case of
sequence casting the blooms belonging to the mixing zone should be clearly defined.
3.2
sequence
any number of heats, of the same steel grade, which undergo continuous casting in tundishes. Tundishes can be
used in parallel if the caster has many strands.
3.3
heat treated rail
rail that has undergone accelerated cooling from austenitizing temperature during the metallurgical transformation
period
3.4
re-heated rail
all rolled rail that has undergone re-austenitization for heat treatment purposes
3.5
mill heat treated rail
heat treated rail that has not undergone re-austenitization after rolling
3.6
rolling process
process between the blooms leaving the heating furnace and exiting the finishing pass
3.7
isothermal treatment process
process whereby blooms are held for a period of time at an elevated temperature for diminishing the hydrogen
content
NOTE 1 For maximum efficiency this is as near to (but below) the pearlite to austenite transformation temperature as is
practically possible.
NOTE 2 This process is sometimes referred to as sub critical diffusion annealing.
3.8
qualifying tests
special tests and criteria which are relevant to some aspects of the service performance of rails. Acceptance tests
also form part of the qualifying tests.
3.9
acceptance tests
tests carried out as part of the process and product control system, normally on a heat, sequence or tonnage basis
4 Information to be supplied by the purchaser

The purchaser shall provide the supplier with the following information at the time of tender or order:
a) the rail profiles (see annex A);
b) the steel grades (see clause 5);
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c) the profiles class, ‘X’ or ‘Y’ (see 9.2.1);
d) the straightness class ‘A’ or ‘B’ of rail as specified in 9.2.2;
e) the lengths of rail (see 9.2.3 and Table 10);
f) undrilled or drilled rail ends to take fish bolts, and location and dimensions of holes when required (see 9.2.3);
g) any special treatments to be applied to bolt holes;
h) tolerances for bolt holes to which special processes are to be applied;
i) paint code requirements (see 7.4.4).
5 Steel grades
The seven steel grades are given in Table 1. The five hardness ranges of the steel grades shall conform to those
given in Table 1.
The steel grade designations referred to in this standard are compared to those in EN 10027-1 and EN 10027-2 in
informative annex F.
Table 1 — Steel grades

Grade a Hardness range Description Branding lines
(HBW)
Carbon – manganese No branding lines
R 200 200 to 240 (C-Mn)
Non heat treated
Carbon – manganese _______
R 220 220 to 260 (C-Mn)
Non heat treated
____
Carbon – manganese
R 260 260 to 300 (C-Mn) _______
Non heat treated
Carbon – manganese _______
R 260 Mn 260 to 300 (C-Mn) _______
Non heat treated
Alloy (1 %Cr) _______
_______
R 320 Cr 320 to 360 Non heat treated _______
______
Carbon – manganese
b
R 350 HT 350 to 390 (C-Mn) _______ ________
Heat treated
b ______
R 350 LHT 350 to 390 Low alloy, heat treated
_______ _______
______
a See Table 5 for chemical composition/mechanical properties.

b See Table 7 for hardness requirements.
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6 Profile drawings/properties/mass
Rail profiles, dimensions, properties and linear masses are given in annex A. The tolerances of certain dimensions
shall be as given in Table 8. All other quantities are informative only.
NOTE Linear masses have been calculated based on the density of steel of 7,85 g/cm3.
7 Manufacture
7.1 Product integrity
7.1.1 Factory production control
All Vignole rails shall be produced under a comprehensive system of factory production control which shall ensure
confidence in the conformity of the finished product. The system shall address this European Standard to ensure
that the finished products consistently comply with requirements to achieve the product integrity necessary to
provide assurance of product safety in track.
Manufacturers shall demonstrate continuing compliance, including documented evidence, with the factory
production control system required.
Manufacturers having a factory production control system which complies with EN ISO 9001 are recognised as
satisfying the minimum requirements specified by this clause.
7.1.2 Best practice manufacture
The product shall be manufactured to the best practices as defined in 7.1.
NOTE This is to ensure that the rail attributes, described in the introduction, which are not known in an exact manner or are
not practically measurable, achieve the required high level of product integrity in track.
7.2 Blooms
Blooms made from basic oxygen steel or electric arc furnace steel that has been secondary ladle arc refined,
vacuum degassed and continuously cast, shall be used for the manufacture of rails.
7.3 Rails
7.3.1 The manufacturer shall operate a procedure for the effective removal of scale during the rolling and
straightening processes.
7.3.2 The cross-sectional area of the rail shall not exceed one ninth that of the bloom from which the rail is rolled.
7.3.3 Rail straightening shall be by a two stage roller straightening process which straightens the rail about its XX
and YY axes as defined in the rail profiles shown in annex A. End deviations or a localised deviation on the rail may
be corrected using pressing.
NOTE Other mandatory processes are described in the relevant clauses within the standard.
7.4 Identification
7.4.1 Branding
Brand marks shall be rolled in relief on one side and in the middle of the web (see annex A) of each rail at least
once every 4 m. The brand marks on the rails shall be clearly legible and shall be 20 mm to 25 mm high, raised
between 0,6 mm and 1,3 mm.
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The branding line(s) to denote grade shall be 50 mm in length for the long branding line and 25 mm in length for
the short branding line.
The brand marks shall include:
a) the identification of the mill;
b) the steel grade as shown in Table 1;
c) the last two figures of the year of manufacture;
d) the rail profile identification as shown in annex A.
EXAMPLE
___
ROLLING MILL _______ 96 60 E 1
(60 E 1 profile rail rolled 1996 and 260 HBW carbon-manganese rail steel grade).
___
ROLLING MILL _______ _______ 96 60 E 1
(60 E 1 profile rail rolled 1996 and 350 HBW heat treated carbon-manganese rail steel grade).
7.4.2 Hot stamping
In addition to the branding requirements of 7.4.1 each rail shall be identified by a numerical and/or alphabetical
code system, hot stamped on the non-branded side of the rail web by machine and each rail shall be hot stamped
at least once every 5 m.
NOTE Subsequent cutting could result in more than one rail length having the same identity.
The figures and letters used shall be clearly legible and shall be 16 mm high. The stamped characters shall have a
flat or radius face (1 mm to 1,5 mm wide) with bevels on each side. The letters and numbers shall be on a 10°
angle from vertical and shall have rounded corners. The stamping shall be between 0,5 mm and 1,5 mm in depth
along the centre of the web. The design shall be as shown in Figure 1.
The identification system employed shall be such as to enable the hot stamped marking to be collated with:
a) the number of the heat from which the rail has been rolled;
b) the number of the strand and position of bloom within the strand;
c) the position of the rail in the bloom (A, B ... Y).
In the event of identification marks having been removed, omitted or requiring alteration, re-identification of such
marks shall be made by rotary burr.
7.4.3 Cold stamping
Cold stamping shall only be used on the cut face of the rail within the central portion of the head, at the request of
the purchaser.
7.4.4 Other identification
Rails of straightness class A shall be identified with a green mark and the position of the green mark is to be
specified by the purchaser. The steel grade may additionally be identified using paint. The purchaser shall specify
the colour and position of the paint application.
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8 Qualifying tests
8.1 Procedure
8.1.1 The manufacturer shall describe any bloom slow cooling or isothermal treatment process used to
demonstrate compliance with the requirements of 9.1.2.2.
8.1.2 All qualifying tests as specified in 8.2 to 8.9 shall be undertaken at least once every five years and as a
result of any significant production process change for all grades, with the exception of 8.7.1, where predictive
equation approval is carried out on an ongoing basis. In addition the residual stress test shall be carried out on all
available grades every 2 years.
The manufacturer shall only carry out testing on the 60 E 1 profile or the heaviest section produced.
All rail grades and profiles supplied shall conform to the qualifying criteria in accordance with 8.2 to 8.9.
The results for the grades to be supplied shall be provided at the time of tendering.
In the event of a manufacturer not having produced the rail grade prior to the tender enquiry he shall have the
option of carrying out such tests on the first available sequence. When the qualifying criteria have been complied
with, compliance with the standard is demonstrated and consequently the manufacturer is qualified.
8.1.3 The samples in accordance with 8.1.4 and 8.1.5 shall be removed from finished roller straightened rails.
These samples shall not be subject to any further mechanical or thermal treatment (other than the treatment of
ageing of the tensile test pieces as described in 9.1.8.3).
8.1.4 Test pieces for fracture toughness, fatigue crack growth rate and fatigue tests (see 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4
respectively) shall be taken from 3 sample rails at least 3 m from the cut ends of the rail. Sample rails shall be from
different heats and different strands.
8.1.5 For residual stress tests (see 8.5) there shall be 6 sample rails and the test pieces shall be taken at least
3 m in from each rail end.
8.1.6 All tests should be carried out by a laboratory that operates an approved and audited quality assurance
system conforming to requirements at least equivalent to EN ISO 9001.
8.1.7 The purchaser shall have access to all test records, calibrations and calculations that contribute to the final
results.
8.1.8 All test results shall be reported to the purchaser.
8.2 Fracture toughness (KIc)
8.2.1 Test pieces and test methods
Tests shall be performed in accordance with annex B.
8.2.2 Qualifying criteria
The value of K1c shall comply with Table 2.
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Table 2 — Minimum single and minimum mean values of KIc
Steel grade Minimum single value Minimum Mean
KIc (MPa m+1/2) KIc (MPa m+1/2)
200 and 220 30 35

260 and 260 Mn 26 29
320 Cr 24 26
350 HT 30 32
350 LHT 26 29
*
NOTE In some circumstances kQ values can be used for the purpose of qualification - see B.6.
8.3 Fatigue crack growth rate
8.3.1 Test method
Tests shall be carried out in accordance with the general requirements of BS 6835-1.
8.3.2 Test pieces
A three point bend, single edge notch test piece, of the dimensions and location within the rail shown in Figure 2
shall be used.
8.3.3 Number of tests and test conditions
A minimum of 3 tests from each sample rail shall be performed under the following conditions:
 test temperature shall be within the range + 15 °C to + 25 °C;
 R = 0,5 (R = minimum cyclic load/maximum cyclic load);
 3 point bend test piece loading span shall be 4 W (see Figure 2);
 cyclic loading frequency shall be within the range 15 Hz to 40 Hz;
 environment - laboratory air.
Fatigue crack growth rates (m/Gc) shall not exceed the values given in Table 3.
Table 3 — Fatigue crack growth rates
Steel grades ∆ K = 10 MPa m½ ∆ K = 13,5 MPa m½
All grades except 200 and 320 Cr 17 m/Gc 55 m/Gc
8.4 Fatigue test
8.4.1 Test method
Constant amplitude fatigue tests shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 1099.
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8.4.2 Test pieces
The test pieces shall be machined from the sample rail as shown in Figure 3.
8.4.3 Number of tests and test conditions
A minimum of 3 test pieces shall be tested from each sample rail under the following conditions:
 test temperature shall be within the range + 15 °C to + 25 °C;
 control variable shall be axial strain amplitude;
 the strain cycle shall be symmetrical about the initial, zero load.
For a total strain amplitude of 0,00135, the life of each specimen shall be greater than 5 × 106 cycles.
NOTE Life is defined as the complete separation of the specimen.
8.5 Residual stress in rail foot
8.5.1 Test method
The residual stresses in the rail foot shall be determined in accordance with annex C.
8.5.2 Test pieces
Each of the 6 test pieces from the rail section shall be 1 m in length and shall be taken from rails as described in
8.1.3 and 8.1.5.
NOTE Only a small part of the test piece will be destroyed for the purpose of measuring residual stress; the remainder
can be used for other qualifying approval tests.
8.5.3 Measurements
Longitudinal residual stress determinations shall be made on the rail foot of each of the 6 test pieces described in
8.5.2. The location of the measurements is shown in Figure C.1.
If data are available for straightness class A rails then class B rails of the same profile need not be tested.
The maximum longitudinal residual stress in the foot shall be 250 N/mm2 for all steel grades.
8.6 Variation of centre line running surface hardness of heat treated rails
This clause only applies to heat treated rails.
For the longest length of rail produced by the manufacturer, a one metre length of rail shall be taken from each end
and at 20 m intervals from one end of the rail. These shall be hardness tested (HBW) along their length at 25 mm
intervals on the centreline of the running surface after 0,5 mm has been ground away. The hardness results shall
be no more than ± 15 HBW from the mean result obtained.
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8.7 Tensile strength and elongation
8.7.1 Predictive equations relating chemical composition to tensile strength and elongation shall be calculated
using multiple regression analysis for all non heat treated rails produced. The following procedure shall be carried
out:
 development of a predictive equation;
 confirmation of the predictive equation;
 periodic updating of the predictive equation;
 corrective action.
8.7.2 Manufacturers shall calculate, using multiple regression analysis for all naturally hard steel grades
produced, predictive equations relating chemical composition to tensile strength and elongation. Each
manufacturer shall derive its own predictive equations.
The predictive equations shall be produced from a minimum number of 100 heats and a maximum number of
200 heats.
The equations shall be created by carrying out one valid tensile test per heat. Tensile tests shall be carried out in
accordance with 9.1.8.2 and 9.1.8.3.
The predictive equations shall produce results which are within a scatter band governed by the following limits:
tensile strength : 12,5 MPa (1 standard error);
elongation : 1,0 % (1 standard error).
8.7.3 The results of the predictive equations shall be compared with experimentally determined tensile strength
and elongation results as described in 9.1.8. This comparison will be achieved by carrying out one valid tensile test
every 2 000 tonnes or at least every tenth heat.
The experimental results shall be within plus or minus 25 MPa tensile strength and plus or minus 2 % elongation of
those obtained from the predictive equations.
8.7.4 The results of the experimental tensile strength and elongation tests obtained from 8.7.3 shall be used to
update the predictive equations. These results shall be accumulated and the equations updated annually. The
updated equations shall be based on the last 200 results.
8.7.5 If results from the predictive equations or the experimental results are outside the limits set in 8.7.2 and
8.7.3 then:
a) the manufacturer shall carry out an investigation;
b) the problem will be resolved by the manufacturer taking appropriate corrective action;
c) the manufacturer shall report the findings of a) and b) to the purchaser;
d) if the problem cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the purchaser, the manufacturer or potential
manufacturer shall have failed the approval requirements as specified in 8.1.1. If the physical tests themselves
are within the requirements of Table 5 a) the product is satisfactory.
8.8 Segregation
Full section transverse test pieces shall be sulfur printed in accordance with ISO 4968. For this purpose rail sulfur
prints shall be taken from each strand from the beginning of every heat, excluding the mixing zone, for five heats.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
The samples shall be assessed and classified according to the limiting figures of annex D. For the process to be
accepted, all samples shall be classified as acceptable.
8.9 Other qualifying requirements
In addition to the results of the tests described in 8.2 to 8.8 inclusive the manufacturer shall provide a complete set
of results for the acceptance tests described in 9.1. Samples for these tests shall be taken from the rails used for
the qualifying tests as described in 8.1.3.
9 Acceptance tests
9.1 Laboratory tests
9.1.1 General
Laboratory tests shall be performed, during production, at frequencies as stipulated in Table 4. Results for each
laboratory test shall comply with the limiting values shown in Table 5. Additional information and other acceptance
tests not covered by Table 5 shall comply with the requirements of 9.1.2 to 9.1.8 inclusive. All rails supplied shall
meet the requirements of clauses 8 and 9.
9.1.2 Chemical composition
9.1.2.1 General
The liquid chemical composition shall be determined for each heat. When the solid chemical composition is
checked, this shall be carried out at the position of the tensile test piece. Liquid and solid chemical composition
shall conform to the requirements of Table 5 a).
9.1.2.2 Hydrogen
The hydrogen content of the liquid steel shall be measured by determining pressure of hydrogen in the steel using
an on-line immersion probe system.
At least two liquid samples shall be taken from the first heat of any sequence using a new tundish and one from
each of the remaining heats and analysed for hydrogen content (see Table 4). The first sample from the first heat in
a sequence shall be taken from the tundish at the time of the maximum hydrogen concentration.
The heats shall be assessed according to hydrogen content in accordance with Table 6.
The blooms from group 1 heats shall be deemed to be satisfactory.
The blooms from group 2 heats shall be slowly cooled or isothermally treated and all heats shall be tested in the rail
form.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 4 — Testing frequency
Relevant Steel grades
subclause 200, 220, 260, 260Mn, 320Cr 350 HT, 350 LHT
Chemical composition 9.1.2 One per heat One per heat
Hydrogen 9.1.2.2 One per heat (2 from first heat in sequence) One per heat (2 from first heat in sequence)
Total oxygen 9.1.2.3 One per sequence a One per sequence a
Microstructure 9.1.3 Not required for grades 200, 220 and 260 One per 50 tonnes of re-heated a,c
One per 1000 tonnes or part thereof for grades 260 Mn One per 100 tonnes of mill heat treated a,c
and 320 Cr
Decarburisation 9.1.4 One per 1000 tonnes or part thereof a,b One per 500 tonnes of re-heated and mill heat
treated a,c
Oxide cleanness 9.1.5 One per sequence a,b One per sequence a,b or c
Sulfur print 9.1.6 One per 500 tonnes or part thereof a,b One per 500 tonnes or part thereof a,b or c
Hardness 9.1.7 One per heat a,b One per 50 tonnes of re-heated a,c
One per 100 tonnes of mill heat treated a,c
Tensile 8.7 & 9.1.8 One calculation per heat/one per 2 000 tonnes a,b One per 1 000 tonnes (test)a,c
a Samples shall be taken at random but only rails from blooms outside the mixing zone between heats when continuously cast in sequence.
b Samples shall be cut after rolling.
c Samples shall be cut from heat treated rails.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 5 a) — Chemical composition/mechanical properties

Steel % By mass 10-4% (ppm) Rm min. Centre line
sample max. min. elong running
grade surface c
C Si Mn P S Cr Al V N Oa Hb MPa % hardness HBW
max. max. max. max.
200 Liquid 0,40/0,60 0,15/0,58 0,70/1,20 0,035 0,008/0,035 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,009 20 3,0
Solid 0,38/0,62 0,13/0,60 0,65/1,25 0,040 0,008/0,040 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,010 20 3,0 680 14 200/240
220 Liquid 0,50/0,60 0,20/0,60 1,00/1,25 0,025 0,008/0,025 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,008 20 3,0
Solid 0,50/0,60 0,20/0,60 1,00/1,25 0,025 0,008/0,025 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,008 20 3,0 770 12 220/260
260 Liquid 0,62/0,80 0,15/0,58 0,70/1,20 0,025 0,008/0,025 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,009 20 2,5
Solid 0,60/0,82 0,13/0,60 0,65/1,25 0,030 0,008/0,030 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,010 20 2,5 880 10 260/300
260 Liquid 0,55/0,75 0,15/0,60 1,30/1,70 0,025 0,008/0,025 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,009 20 2,5
Mn
Solid 0,53/0,77 0,13/0,62 1,25/1,75 0,030 0,008/0,030 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,010 20 2,5 880 10 260/300
320 Liquid 0,60/0,80 0,50/1,10 0,80/1,20 0,020 0,008/0,025 0,80/1,20 0,004 0,18 0,009 20 2,5
Cr
Solid 0,58/0,82 0,48/1,12 0,75/1,25 0,025 0,008/0,030 0,75/1,25 0,004 0,20 0,010 20 2,5 1080 9 320/360
350 Liquid 0,72/0,80 0,15/0,58 0,70/1,20 0,020 0,008/0,025 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,009 20 2,5
HT
Solid 0,70/0,82 0,13/0,60 0,65/1,25 0,025 0,008/0,030 0,15 max 0,004 0,030 0,010 20 2,5 1175 9 350/390
350 Liquid 0,72/0,80 0,15/0,58 0,70/1,20 0,020 0,008/0,025 0,30 max 0,004 0,030 0,009 20 2,5
LHT
Solid 0,70/0,82 0,13/0,60 0,65/1,25 0,025 0,008/0,030 0,30 max 0,004 0,030 0,010 20 2,5 1175 9 350/390
a See 9.1.2.3.
b See 9.1.2.2.
c See Figure 10.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 5 b) — Maximum residual elements
Mo Ni Cu Sn Sb Ti Nb Cu & 10 Sn
200, 220, 260, 260Mn 0,02 0,10 0,15 0,030 0,020 0,025 0,01 0,35 Cr + Mo + Ni + Cu + V 0,35
320 Cr 0,02 0,10 0,15 0,030 0,020 0,025 0,01 0,35 Ni + Cu 0,16
350 HT 0,02 0,10 0,15 0,030 0,020 0,025 0.04 0,35 Cr + Mo + Ni + Cu + V 0,25
350 LHT 0,02 0,10 0,15 0,030 0,020 0,025 0,04 0,35 Mo + Ni + Cu + V 0,20
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 6 — Hydrogen content of heats
Heats Hydrogen content 10-4 % (ppm)
Steel grades 200 and 220 All other steel grades
Group 1 ≤ 3,0 ≤ 2,5
Group 2 > 3,0 > 2,5
If the hydrogen contents of the first samples of a first heat or the heat sample of a second or further heat do not
comply with the requirements of Table 5 a) then the blooms made before those samples are taken shall be slowly
cooled or isothermally treated. Also all blooms made before the hydrogen content eventually complies with the
requirements in Table 5 a) shall be slowly cooled or isothermally treated.
When testing of rails is required rail samples shall be taken at the hot saw at a frequency of one per heat at random.
However on the first heat in a sequence, the rail sample shall be from the last part of a first bloom teemed on any
strand. Hydrogen determination shall be carried out on samples taken from the centre of the rail head.
If any test result fails to meet the requirements stated in Table 5 a) the heat shall be rejected.
9.1.2.3 Determination of total oxygen content
9.1.2.3.1 General
Total oxygen content shall be determined in the liquid steel, following solidification of the sample, or from the solid rail
head, in the positions shown in Figure 4, and at the frequency shown in Table 4.
For orders in excess of 5 000 tonnes at least 95 % of heats shall have a total oxygen content of less than 20 ppm. No
more than 5 % of heats shall have a total oxygen content of up to 30 ppm. Heats with a total oxygen content greater
than 30 ppm shall be rejected.
For orders less than 5 000 tonnes, only one sample with total oxygen greater than 20 ppm, but less than 30 ppm, is
allowed. Heats with total oxygen greater than 30 ppm shall be rejected. Any heats with total oxygen above 20 ppm
shall require that all subsequent heats be tested until values below 20 ppm are achieved.
9.1.2.3.2 Preparation of the sample
The thickness of the transverse rail slice shall be 4 mm.
Samples shall be prepared in accordance with EN 10276-1.
9.1.2.3.3 Measurement
The measurement of oxygen shall be made using an automatic machine.
9.1.3 Microstructure
9.1.3.1 General
Microstructures shall be determined at a magnification of x 500.
The microstructure shall be verified for 260 Mn, 320 Cr and heat treated rails in accordance with the requirements of
Table 4.
The testing position in the rail head shall be as shown in Figure 5.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
9.1.3.2 Grades 200, 220
The microstructure shall be a mixture of pearlite and grain boundary ferrite. There shall be no martensite, bainite or
grain boundary cementite.
9.1.3.3 Grade 260, 260 Mn
The microstructure shall be pearlitic but grain boundary ferrite may occur in these grades. The maximum grain
boundary ferrite permitted is shown in Figure 6. There shall be no martensite, bainite or grain boundary cementite.
9.1.3.4 Grade 320 Cr
The microstructure shall be fully pearlitic with no martensite, bainite or grain boundary cementite.
9.1.3.5 Grades 350 HT, 350 LHT
The microstructure shall be pearlitic with no martensite, bainite or grain boundary cementite. The maximum grain
boundary ferrite permitted is shown in Figure 6.
9.1.4 Decarburisation
No closed ferrite network shall be observed below 0,5 mm depth measured anywhere on the rail head surface. The
decarburisation depth will be assessed by means of a hardness test at a frequency shown in Table 4. After a
minimum of preparation of the rail surface (polishing) a hardness test according to the method indicated in 9.1.7 will
be performed in three points. None of the results of hardness obtained shall be lower than the minimum value
specified of the grade, reduced by 7HBW (example : 253HBW for grade 260).
Photomicrographs showing the depth of decarburisation allowed are shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 defines the rail
head surface for decarburisation checks.
9.1.5 Oxide cleanness
Samples shall be prepared and assessed in accordance with DIN 50602. For orders less than 5 000 tonnes, only one
sample with a K3 greater than 10 and less than 20 is allowed. Samples shall be taken from one of the last blooms of
the last heat of the sequence but from each sample 2 specimens shall be tested.
The following limits shall apply.
Total index 10 < K3 < 20 for a maximum of 5 % of samples.
K3 < 10 for a minimum of 95 % of samples.
The testing position in the rail head is shown in Figure 9.
9.1.6 Sulfur prints
Sulfur prints of transverse rail sections shall be prepared in accordance with ISO 4968 at the frequency shown in
Table 4.
All samples, including those intended for repeat test, shall be taken from outside the mixing zones of the heat. When
part or all of an adjacent heat has been withdrawn due to non-conformance, tests shall be made in the mixing zones
to determine the first conforming blooms.
The sulfur prints shall conform to the requirements of annex D.
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9.1.7 Hardness
Brinell hardness tests shall be carried out in accordance with EN ISO 6506-1 at the frequency shown in Table 4. The
test conditions shall be as follows:
 tungsten carbide ball;
 ball diameter 2,5 mm;
 load 1,839 kN;
 period of application 15 s.
Other measurement techniques, for example Rockwell or Vickers hardness testing, may be used, but in case of
dispute Brinell hardness testing in accordance with EN ISO 6506-1 shall be used.
The hardness values measured shall meet the requirements given in Table 7 for the relevant grade.
In the case of the heat treated grades the mean value of position 2 shall be greater than the value of position
3 + 0,4 [(mean value of position 1) minus (value of position 3)]. Also the difference between any of the three position
1 s shall be no more than 30 HBW. The testing positions are shown in Figure 10.
The hardness on the centre line of the head crown shall not vary by more than 30 HBW on any individual rail.
For the steel grades 200, 220, 260, 260 Mn and 320 Cr the hardness shall only be tested for position RS. For heat
treated rails hardness shall be tested in accordance with 8.6 over the centre line of the rail head at the positions
shown in Figure 10.
0,5 mm shall be ground from the running surface before a hardness impression is made.
Table 7 — Hardness testing positions and requirements
Position Rail Steel Grade
200 220 260 260Mn 320Cr 350HT 350LHT
Hardness (HBW)
RS a 200-240 220-260 260-300 260-300 320-360 350-390 b 350-390 b

1 340 min 340 min
2 331 min 331 min
3 321 min 321 min
4 340 min 340 min
a RS = Point on the centre line running surface.
b If the hardness exceeds 390HBW, the rail is acceptable provided the microstructure is confirmed to be pearlitic, and the
hardness does not exceed 405 HBW.
9.1.8 Tensile tests
9.1.8.1 Steel grades 200, 220, 260, 260 Mn, 320 Cr
For rail steel grades 200, 220, 260, 260 Mn and 320 Cr the tensile strength and elongation shall be determined by the
predictive equation described in 8.7.2.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
If a manufacturer is temporarily unqualified, or if limited production quantities prevent qualification, then tensile testing
shall be one per heat.
The values determined by the predictive equation shall not be less than those quoted in Table 5.
9.1.8.2 Steel grades 350HT and 350LHT
For rail steel grades 350 HT and 350 LHT tensile tests shall be carried out at a frequency given in Table 4. Test
samples shall be removed from the rail as shown in Figure 5. Results obtained shall comply with the values given in
Table 5.
9.1.8.3 Method of test
The manufacturer shall determine the tensile properties in accordance with EN 10002-1 using a round tensile test
piece with the dimensions as follows:
 diameter of 10 mm;
 original cross-sectional area of 78,5 mm2;
 original gauge length of 50 mm;
 minimum parallel length of 55 mm.
Before testing at ambient temperature the tensile test pieces shall be maintained at a temperature of 200 °C for up to
6 h. In the case of dispute, before testing at ambient temperature the tensile test pieces shall be maintained at a
temperature of 200 °C for 6 h.
9.1.9 Retest procedures
If any test fails to meet the requirements of 9.1.2 to 9.1.8 (but excluding hydrogen) then two tests shall be performed
on samples from rails in close proximity to the original. Should either retest fail then rails shall be progressively tested
until acceptable material is found. The failed material shall be rejected or in the case of heat treated material re-
treated and tested. For hydrogen and oxygen testing refer to the 9.1.2.2 and 9.1.2.3 respectively.
If the results of an investigation under 8.7.5 or the qualification procedure, or the predictive equation indicate that
certain rails are out of specification, then acceptance of such rails shall be based on experimental tensile test results.
The minimum values in Table 5 shall in such cases apply.
9.2 Dimension tolerances
9.2.1 Profile
The nominal dimensions of the rail profile (see annex A) and the actual dimensions anywhere on any rail shall not
differ by more than the tolerances given in Table 8.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 8 — Profile tolerances
* Reference points Profile class (dimensions in mm) Gauge

(see Figure E.1) figure
number
(see annex E)
X Y
Height of rail a *H
< 165 ± 0,5 + 0,5
- 1,0 3
≥ 165 ± 0,6 + 0,6
- 1,1
Crown profile *C
Class A straightness + 0,6 + 0,6
- 0,3 - 0,3 4
Class B straightness ± 0,6 ± 0,6
Width of rail head *WH ± 0,5 + 0,6 5
- 0,5
Rail asymmetry *As ± 1,2 ± 1,2 6,7
Inclination of fishing surfaces
(on the basis of 14 mm parallel
to the inclined theoretical fishing ± 0,35 ± 0,35 8
surfaces) b *IF
Height of fishing *HF
< 165 ± 0,5 ± 0,5 8
≥ 165 ± 0,6 ± 0,6
Web thickness *WT + 1,0 + 1,0 9
- 0,5 - 0,5
Width of rail foot *WF ± 1,0 + 1,5 10
- 1,0
Foot toe thickness *TF + 0,75 + 0,75 11
- 0,5 - 0,5
Foot base concavity 0,3 max 0,3 max
a The total height variation over any rail length shall not be greater than 1 mm for rails < 165 mm and 1,2 mm for
rails ≥ 165 mm.
b The maximum fishing tolerance on the head and on the foot is 0,35 mm but the total tolerance allowed is also 0,35 mm.
9.2.2 Straightness, surface flatness and twist
Flatness testing of the body shall be performed automatically.
Tolerances for straightness, surface flatness and twist shall meet the requirements given in Table 9. Rejected rails
may be subject to only one roller re-straightening.
In cases of dispute on the results of the automatic technique, rail flatness shall be verified using a straight edge as
shown in Table 9.
When measuring sidesweep the rail shall be stood vertically on a suitable support that allows the rail to be
unrestrained. If a measurement technique other than that given above is used, only the above shall be used in the
case of dispute.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 9 — Straightness, surface flatness and twist tolerances

1
1m 1
2m 2 H
3
4
Key
1 Overlap
2
2 Body
3 Whole rail Key
4 End “E 1 V and H. Location of flatness measurements
2 The position of H is nominally 5 mm - 10 mm below the gauge
corner on the side of the head
Class B Class A
d L d L
≤ 0,4 mm ≤ 0,3 mm
c
3m 3mc b
a L
BODY Vertical flatness V and and
≤ 0,3 mm 1mc ≤ 0,2 mm 1mc
Horizontal flatness H ≤ 0,6 mm 1,5 m c ≤ 0,45 mm 1,5 m c
d
End “E” 1,5 m 2m b
≤ 0,5 mm 1,5 m ≤ 0,4 mm 2m L
d
and
ENDS a Vertical straightness ≤ 0,3 mm 1md e
F
and and
e ≤ 0,2 mm e ≤ 0,2 mm
If e > 0 F
≤ 0,6 mm 2m b
Horizontal straightness ≤ 0,7 mm 1,5 m and L
≤ 0,4 mm 1md
d
"to be continued"
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 9 (concluded)
Class B Class A
d L d L
Length of overlap 1,5 m 2m b
1.0 L
OVERLAP a
Vertical flatness V ≤ 0,4 mm 1,5 m c ≤ 0,3 mm 2mc
d
Horizontal flatness H ≤ 0,6 mm 1,5 m c ≤ 0,6 mm 2mc
Upsweep and downsweep 10 mm e 10 mm e 10

WHOLE RAIL
10
Side sweep Curve radius R > 1500 m Curve radius R > 1500 m
Twist See Figures 11 and 12 See Figures 11 and 12
NOTE It is unlikely that the manufacturer can supply rails < 54 Kg/m for class A tolerances.
a Automatic measurement equipment shall measure as much of the rail as possible but, at least the body. If the whole rail satisfies the body specifications, then measurement of end and overlap is not
mandatory.
b Automatic measurement techniques are complex and are therefore difficult to define but the finished rail flatness shall be capable of being verified by straight edge as shown in the above drawings.
c 95 % of delivered rails shall be within limits specified, with 5 % of rails allowed outside the tolerances by 0,1 mm.
d Reference L sliding over end E.
e The ends of the rails shall not be up more than 10 mm when the rail is on its foot or on its head when standing on an inspection bed.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
9.2.3 Cutting and drilling
The size and location of drilled holes, the squareness of rail ends and rail lengths shall be within the tolerances
given in Table 10.
Drilled holes and rail ends shall be deburred. For holes that are to be subject to special treatments the tolerances
shall be in accordance with 4.h).
9.3 Gauges
The gauges required for manufacture are as shown in annex E.
If other measurement techniques than those given in annex E are used, only those in annex E shall be used in case
of dispute.
9.4 Inspection requirements/tolerances for internal quality and surface quality
9.4.1 Ultrasonic test requirements
9.4.1.1 All rails shall be ultrasonically tested by a continuous process ensuring that the entire rail length and
specified cross-sectional area are inspected.
9.4.1.2 The minimum cross-sectional area examined by the ultrasonic technique shall be:
 at least 70 % of the head;
 at least 60 % of the web;
 the area of the foot to be tested shall be as shown in Figure 16.
By convention these areas are based on projecting the nominal crystal size of the probe. The head shall be tested
from both sides and from the running surface.
27
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table 10 — Drilling and cutting tolerances

Number Dimensional Tolerance
requirement
1 Drilling Diameter
≤ 30 mm ± 0,5 mm
> 30 mm ± 0,7 mm
Centring and positioning The horizontal position of the holes is checked using a gauge as shown in Figure E.12 which has a stop designed to come into
of the holes vertically and contact with the end of the rail and pins designed to enter the holes.
horizontally The diameter of the pins for horizontal and vertical clearances is smaller than the diameter of the holes by:
- 1,0 mm for holes less than or equal to 30 mm in diameter;
- 1,4 mm for holes greater than 30 mm in diameter;
- the distances between the centre lines of the pins and the stop are equal to the nominal distances from the centre line of the holes to the
end of the rail;
- the gauge pins shall be able to enter the holes at the same time while the stop is touching the end of the rail.
The vertical centring of the holes can be checked using a gauge as shown in Figure E.13.
The side of the hole, left or right, is determined by proceeding from the side with the relief markings.
2 Squareness of ends 0,6 mm in any direction
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
a
3 Length
- both ends drilled
≤ 24 m ± 3 mm
> 24 m ≤ 40 m ± 4 mm
- other (undrilled or one ± 1 mm/per metre of rail
end drilled) (max. ± 30 mm on any rail)
For special purpose undrilled rails the length tolerance is ± 6 mm up to 24 m and ± 10 mm for > 24 m rail.
a The given rail lengths apply for + 15 °C. Measurements made at other temperatures are to be corrected to take into account expansion or contraction of the rail.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
9.4.1.3 The sensitivity levels of the automatic equipment used shall be a minimum 4dB greater than the level
required to detect the artificial defects described in 9.4.1.4. An echo giving a possible defect indication shall be
re-tested, using an increased sensitivity of 6dB in place of 4dB.
Rails giving signals over the threshold in the rail using the increased sensitivity shall be rejected or cut back to
remove the defective portion.
The system shall incorporate continuous monitoring of interface or backwall echo signals.
9.4.1.4 There shall be a calibration rail for each profile ultrasonically tested and the positions of the artificial
defects are given for the rail head, web and foot of the 60 E 1 profile in Figures 13, 14, and 15 respectively.
Calibration rails for other profiles shall be based upon the 60 E 1 calibration rail and detailed drawings shall be made
available to the purchaser.
Other methods of calibration may be used but these methods shall be equivalent to that described above.
The calibration rail shall be used to test the equipment at production speed at the beginning and once every 8 h of
testing a particular profile.
9.4.2 Surface quality
9.4.2.1 General
All rails shall be visually or automatically inspected on all faces for surface imperfections. In addition, the underside
of the rail foot shall be inspected automatically in accordance with 9.4.2.6. All rails shall comply with the criteria
defined at 9.4.2.2 and 9.4.2.3. Assessment and dressing of imperfections shall be in accordance with 9.4.2.5.
9.4.2.2 Hot marks, protrusions and seams
All protrusions on the running surface or the underside of the foot shall be dressed. Any protrusions affecting the fit
of the fishplate at less than 1 m from the extremity of the delivered rail shall be dressed to shape.
The depth of hot marks and seams, as defined in EN 10163-1, shall not exceed:
 0,35 mm for the running surface;
 0,5 mm for the rest of the rail.
In the case of longitudinal guide marks, there shall be a maximum of two, to the depth limits specified, at any point
along the length of the rail but no more than one of these shall be on the rail running surface. Recurring guide marks
along the same axis are accepted as a single guide mark.
The maximum width of guide marks shall be 4 mm. The width to depth ratio of allowable guide marks shall be a
minimum 3:1.
In the case of hot formed marks originating from the vicinity of the mill rolls, those which are recurrent along the
same axis, at a distance equal to the roll circumference, shall be accepted as a single mark. They can be removed
by dressing except those marks on the rail crown where a maximum of 3 per 40 m is allowed.
9.4.2.3 Cold marks
Cold marks are longitudinal or transverse cold formed scratches.
The discontinuity depth shall be not larger than:
 0,3 mm for the rail running surface and underside of foot;
 0,5 mm for the rest of rail.
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
NOTE It is difficult, or impossible to detect in track fatigue cracks initiating and propagating from the underside of the foot;
therefore all practicable efforts should be made to avoid cold transverse marks in this area.
9.4.2.4 Surface microstructural damage
Any sign of surface microstructural damage resulting in martensite or white phase shall be dressed or the rail
rejected. The dressed area shall be proved by suitable hardness testing. The hardness shall not be more than
50 HBW greater than the surrounding material.
9.4.2.5 Proving and dressing of surface imperfections
If the imperfection depth cannot be measured it shall be investigated by depth proving, and subsequently dressed to
the criteria below, using a rotary burr, lamellar flap tool or grinding belt, providing the rail microstructure is not
affected by the operation and the work is contour blended.
The depth of dressing shall be not larger than:
 0,35 mm for the rail running surface;
 0,5 mm for the rest of rail.
No more than three defects within a length of 10 m of rail and, over the whole length, a maximum of one defect per
10 m rail length shall be dressed or proved. After dressing profile tolerances shall be in accordance with Table 8 and
flatness tolerances shall be in accordance with Table 9.
9.4.2.6 Automatic foot inspection
The rail shall be automatically inspected on the underside of the foot along its entire length.
The equipment used shall be able to detect artificial imperfections with sizes as shown in Table 11. The artificial
imperfections shall have a tolerance of + 0,1 mm.
Table 11 — Dimensions of test imperfections
Depth (mm) Length (mm) Width (mm)
1,0 20 0,5
1,5 10 0,5
An edge loss for the automatic technique is permitted for the extreme 5 mm of the flat portion of the foot width at
each side.
A suitable test rail containing artificial imperfections requires to be run every 8 h.
16
16
o
Figure 1 — Design of letters and numbers on a 10 angle for rail stamps
30
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres
B = 20
10 10 1
2
H
2
W = 45
= 10 =
45
115 115
Key
1 Notch machined into this face
2 Section through rail head
3 Letter ‘H’ to be stamped on end face of test piece as shown
Figure 2 — Location and dimensions of fatigue crack growth test pieces
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prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
All dimensions in millimetres
45º
R 13
V
90º
R 80
10
18
✟ Intersecting point of the R 13 and R 80 radii (60 E 1 section)
Location of the centre of the test piece
112 b
2
36 b 36 b
7,1
6,9
A
M 18 b
M 18 b
c c
1,6
14,6
14,5
3
R 26 a,b
12,25
12,00 50 b
Key
1 Screw threads (both ends) to be concentric with Ø A within 0,005
2 Cylindrical within 0,005
3 Centre drill
a
26 mm radius shall run tangential with gauge diameter (datum dia’A’) without undercutting or leaving a shoulder
General tolerance to be ± 0,2 mm unless otherwise stated
b
c
Specimen to be identified on each end
Figure 3 — Specimen for determining fatigue initiation life
32
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
12
30 45º
= =
Figure 4 — Sampling positions in rail for total oxygen determination
45º
R 13
10
✟ ✟
90º
R 80
10
= =
Key
✟ Intersecting point of the R 13 and R 80 radii (60 E 1 section)
Location at the centre of the tensile test piece
Area to be checked for microstructure
Figure 5 — Location of tensile test piece and microstructure checks
33
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Photomicrograph x 500
Figure 6 — Photomicrograph and diagram showing maximum allowable ferrite at the grain boundaries for
grades other than 200 and 220
34
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
← Surface of rail
← Limit of continuous ferrite network. This example shows

decarburisation to a depth of 0,28 mm
Grades 200 and 220
← Surface of rail
← Limit of continuous ferrite network. This example shows

decarburisation to a depth of 0,25 mm
All grades other than 200 and 220
Figure 7 — Photomicrographs (x 100) showing depth of decarburisation allowed on the rail wear surface
35
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
2L /3
L
Key
1 Decarburisation limits apply to this part of rail head
Figure 8 — Range of extent of rail head surface for decarburisation checks
36
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
5
5
10
30
1
20 45º
20
Key
1 Face to be examined
Figure 9 — Oxide cleanness sampling position in rail head
37
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
2
1 1
10
RS 2
45º
20
R1
=
4 =
10
R2
10
3 4
Key
1,2,3 and 4 Location of hardness testing (see Table 7)
exact intersecting points of the radii
Figure 10 — Hardness testing positions
Dimension in millimetres
≤ 2,5
NOTE If the rail shows evidence of twist being laid head up on an inspection bed, it will be checked by inserting feeler
gauges between the base of the rail and the rail skid nearest the rail end. If the gap exceeds 2,5 mm the rail is rejected.
Figure 11 — Whole rail twist
38
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
00
10
0,0035 x c
20
c
b
Key
1 Cross section 1 m away from the rail end
2 Gauge
3 Cross section at the rail end
NOTE 1 If the rotational twist in the end metre of the rail exceeds 0,2° as measured by the gauge illustrated above the rail is
rejected.
NOTE 2 The relative twist between the cross-sections at the rail ends, and the cross-sections 1 m away from each end,
should not exceed 0,0035 × c. The following measurements should be made with a specific gauge (1 m long), on each rail end,
using as measuring references, points on the under surface of the foot following the measuring procedures below.
(*) : diameter of contact surfaces: 20 mm.
Foot width Distance between contacts
b (mm) (*) c (mm)
b < 130 90
130 ≤ b < 150 110
b ≥ 150 130
Figure 12 — Rail end twist
39
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
14
14
A C
NOTE 1 Both flat bottomed holes are 2 mm diameter and 15 mm deep.

Flat bottomed holes A and C are 8 ± 1 from B and D below.
o o
NOTE 2
Figure 13 a)
30
30
90 90
B D
NOTE 1 Both flat bottomed holes are 2 mm diameter and 15 mm deep.

o
NOTE 2 Flat bottomed holes B and D are 90 to opposite
Figure 13 b)
40
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
20
20
Figure 13 c)
Key
1 Two mm diameter through hole
Figure 13 — Location of artificial defects in rail head of 60 E 1 profile
41
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
All dimensions in millimetres

measured from the centre line
10
10
5 5
1
10
10
=
Key
1 Centreline of web
NOTE 1 Flat bottomed holes are 2 mm diameter drilled to centre line of web.
o
NOTE 2 Flat bottomed holes are allowed to be ± 10 from horizontal.
Figure 14 — Location of artificial defects in rail web of 60 E 1 profile
42
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Key
1 Two mm diameter through hole
Figure 15 — Location of artificial defect in rail foot of 60 E 1 profile
Key
1 Area to be tested
Figure 16 — Area to be tested in rail foot of 60 E 1 profile
43
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Annex A
(normative)
Rail profiles
The rail profiles listed are new designated and accurately dimensioned profiles developed from the previous less
accurately dimensioned profiles listed. Table A.2 and Figure A.22 define the transition references.
Table A.1 — List of profiles and previous rail profiles
Figure No Profile Previous profile
A.1 46 E 1 SBB I
A.2 46 E 2 U33
A.3 46 E 3 NP 46
A.4 46 E 4 46 UNI
A.5 49 E 1 DIN S49

A.6 49 E 2 S49 T
A.7 49 E 3 DIN 549 b
A.8 49 E 4 HUSH 113lb/54 Kg
A.9 50 E 1 U50E
A.10 50 E 2 50EB-T
A.11 50 E 3 BV 50
A.12 50 E 4 UIC 50
A.13 50 E 5 50 UNI
A.14 50 E 6 U 50
A.15 52 E 1 52 RATP
A.16 54 E 1 UIC 54
A.17 54 E 2 UIC 54 E
A.18 54 E 3 DIN S54
A.19 55 E 1 U55
A.20 56 E 1 BS 113lb BR Variant
A.21 60 E 1 UIC 60
44
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
65
14,3
R 13
R 300
R 80
45
R1
1:4
R 6 16
R 30
R 30
14
26,95
145
X
15
1
15
14
26,7
R 30
69,35
R 3
62,5
0 18
R 6
1:4
25
R1
R2
Y
125
Key
1 Centre line of branding
Cross-sectional area : 58,82 cm2
Mass per metre : 46,17 kg/m
Moment of inertia x-x axis : 1641,1 cm4
Section modulus - Head : 217 cm3
Section modulus - Base : 236,6 cm3
Moment of inertia y-y axis : 298,2 cm4
Section modulus y-y axis : 47,7 cm3
Indicative dimensions : A = 18,881 mm
B = 43,881 mm
Figure A.1 — Rail profile 46 E 1
45
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
62
13,42
R 13
R 200
R 60
1:20
47
R2
1:3
R7
X X
145
1
15
R7
67,86
62,5
R 20
1:3
1:10
R2 27
10,5
R3
Y
134
Key
Section modulus - Head : 213 cm3
B = 40,588 mm
46
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
73,72
14,18
R 13
R 300
R 80
1:16,5
42,5
R 1,5
1:4
R 6
R 80
R 80 14
X X
142
30
R 120 14 1
25
R 120
70,36
62,25
R 6
1:4
25
R1 R3
Y
120
Key
Section modulus - Head : 224,2 cm3
B = 53,761 mm
47
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
65
13.75
R 14
R 400
45
1:20
R1
16
1:4
R5
14
X X
145
30
1
14
22,5
68,84
62,5
R
5
1:4
18
25
R1
R2
Y
135
Key
Moment of inertia x-x axis : 1688 cm4
48
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
67
14
R 13
R 300
R 80
51,5
R2
R7
R 80
R 80 14
149
30
R 120 14 1
73,41
R 120
62,5
52
R7
R4
0
R 1,5 27,5
10,5
R3
125
Key
B = 46,835 mm
49
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
67
13,62
R 14
R 400
1:16
50,5
R2
1:3
R7
R 80
R 80 14
X X
148
30
R 120 14 1
24,5
R 120
72,97
62,5
R7
R 40
1:3 1:7,81
27,5
R 1,5
10,5
R3
Y
125
Key
50
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
67
14
R 13
R 300
R 80
1:15.2
48,5
R2
1:3
R7
R 80
R 80 14
X X
146
30
R 120 14 1
R 120
70,95
62,5
R 40
52
R7
1:3 1:7,81
R 1,5 27,5
10,5
R3
Y
125
Key
B = 47,032 mm
51
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
70
14,75
R 13
R 300
R 80
49,4
1:20
R3
1:2,7
5
R 8
22
8
110
X R X
22
R1
6 1
50,02
R 20
45,4
5
1:2,7 1:10
30,2
R2
11
R3
Y
140
Key
B = 50,865 mm
52
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65
13,58
R 13
R 200
R 60
49
1:20
R2
1:3
2
R1
X X
153
15,5
1
72,44
R1
2
66
R 20
1:3 1:10
28
R3
R2
11,5
Y
134
Key
Moment of inertia y-y axis : 365 cm4
B = 43,838 mm
53
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
72
14,3
R 13
R 300
R 80
1:20
R2
44
1:3
R 8
,81
R 30
151
X X
59
1
15
R 30
,81
70,96
10
67,5
R 8
R 10
1:3 1:8
28
11,13
R2
R5
Y
140
Key
B = 52,053 mm
54
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70
B
A
14,23
R 13
R 300
R 80
48
1:20
R2
1:3
R7
R 450
14
155
X C R 450 X
1
75,70
75
R 450
67
R 40
R7
1:3 1:8,31
27
R1
10
Y R3
133
Key
B = 49,982 mm
55
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
70
B
A
14,1
R 13
R 300
R 80
1:20
49,4
1:2,7
R3 5
R8
2
R2
R 508
15,5
X R 508 15 X
CL
152
1
75,36 to X-X axis
R 50
75,1 to CLR 508
8
65,3
R 15
75
R 20
1:2, 1:8,01
28
R3
10
Y
R2
125
Key
B = 49,727 mm
56
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
67
13,62
R 14
R 400
1:16
50,5
R2
1:3
R7
R 80
R 80 14
148
X X
30
R 120 14 1
R 120
71,85
62,5
R 40
52
R7
1:3 1:8
27,5
R2
R3 10
Y
135
Key
57
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
65
B
A
13,58
R 13
R 200
R 60
1:20
49
1:3
R2
R 12
153
X X
1
15,5
R 12
71,74
66
R 20
1:3 1:10
28
11,2
R3
Y
R2
140
Key
B = 43,838 mm
58
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Key
59
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
70
B
A
14,1
R 13
R 300
R 80
1:20
49,4
R3
1:2,7
5
R 8
2
R2
R 508
25,4
X C 16 X
159
R 508
1
46
R 508
75,13
69,9
R 16
R 20
5
1:2,7 1:10
30,2
R2 R3
11
Y
140
Key
B = 49,727 mm
60
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
67,01
B
A
13,85
R 13
R 80
R 300
1:20
51,4
R2
1:2,7
5
R8
2
R2
R 508
25,4
161
X 16 X
CL R 508
R 508
77,53
76,2
69,9
R1
R 20
5
1:2,7 1:10
30,2
R2
12
R3
Y
125
Key
B = 46,310 mm
61
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
67
B
A
14
R 13
R 300
R 80
1:17,2
55
1:3
R5
R 16
R 500
CL R 500 16 X
154
X
X-X axis
1
R 50
0
75,07
R 40
64
R 16
1:3 1:7,81 29
12
R3
Y
R2 125
Key
B = 46,835 mm
62
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
62
1V113,4
R 13
R 60
R 200
1:20
53
R2
1:3
2
R1
155
X X
1
19
R1
2
70,74
66,5
R 23
1:3 1:10
31
R2
14
R3
Y
134
Key
Section modulus - Base : 304 cm3
B = 40,588 mm
63
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
69,85
B
A
14,53
R 12,7
R 305
R 80
49,21
1:20
R3
1:2,7
5
R8
20
158,75
X X
R1
5
74,51
69,85
R 20
5
1:2,7 1:10
R 1,5 30,16
11,2
R3
Y
140
Key
B = 51,235 mm
64
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
72
B
A
Y
14,3
R 13
R 300
R 80
1:20
51
R3
1:2,7
5
R7
R 35
R 120
19,5
R120 16,5
172
X X
32
R 120 16,5
19,5
28,75
R 120
80,92
76,25
R 35
R 40 R7
5
1:2,7
31,5
R2
11,5
R4
Y
150
Key
B = 52,053 mm
65
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Table A.2 — Rail transition references (see Figure A.22)
Rail profile
Ref. 46E1 46E2 46E3 46E4 49E1 49E2 49E3 49E4 50E1 50E2 50E3 50E4 50E5 50E6 52E1 54E1 54E2 54E3 55E1 56E1 60E1
1 43,88 40,59 53,76 38,38 46,84 40,47 47,03 50,87 43,84 52,05 49,98 49,73 40,47 43,84 42,46 49,73 46,31 46,84 40,59 51,23 52,05
2 65,00 62,00 73,72 65,00 67,00 67,00 67,00 70,00 65,00 72,00 70,00 70,00 67,00 65,00 65,00 70,00 67,01 67,00 62,00 69,85 72,00
b 14,30 13,42 14,18 13,75 14,00 13,62 14,00 14,75 13,58 14,30 14,23 14,10 13,62 13,58 12,62 14,10 13,85 14,00 13,42 14,53 14,30
1 12,77 12,15 11,86 13,28 11,92 13,11 11,80 11,89 12,13 12,00 12,01 12,04 13,11 12,13 11,98 12,04 12,08 11,92 12,15 11,61 12,00
b
h1 98,18 94,53 98,13 99,71 94,56 94,58 94,55 58,73 100,05 103,49 104,35 101,73 94,45 100,05 93,52 107,75 107,16 93,90 95,24 107,36 118,57
h2 81,95 79,19 81,34 81,03 79,02 79,02 79,02 44,85 86,64 88,41 88,99 88,32 79,02 86,64 77,99 92,25 92,25 83,20 82,80 92,16 101,50
h3 74,47 65,91 72,27 71,93 68,40 68,40 68,40 15,19 63,87 78,22 76,90 57,33 68,40 63,87 57,85 66,04 66,04 54,58 60,04 70,54 87,06
l1 53,99 32,38 50,73 58,99 33,13 33,13 33,13 32,92 32,13 30,54 31,40 33,08 32,74 32,13 23,81 35,92 34,97 32,13 32,21 33,01 36,61
l2 7,28 4,79 6,81 5,48 7,06 7,06 7,06 10,53 8,21 6,61 7,19 11,49 7,06 8,21 8,00 12,02 12,02 12,41 8,21 9,87 8,25
l3 3,13 0 2,39 1,71 2,41 2,41 2,41 0 0 1,54 2,44 1,67 2,41 0 1,39 1,54 1,54 1,52 0 0 3,20
u1 24,74 23,20 29,79 25,84 26,55 26,61 26,54 22,99 24,52 27,93 27,65 26,53 26,61 24,52 22,24 26,03 25,36 23,57 21,50 23,92 26,83
u2 6,52 4,79 6,54 4,63 5,99 5,99 5,99 7,20 8,21 6,61 5,78 11,25 5,99 8,21 6,98 7,30 7,30 11,18 8,21 5,27 8,25
u3 2,32 0 2,16 0,85 1,32 1,32 1,32 - - 1,54 1,01 0,26 1,32 0 0,36 0,69 0,69 0,24 0 0 3,20
66
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
b
b'
ul
u2
u3
h2
h3
hl
L3
L2
L1
Key
1 Transition point 0,01 mm
Figure A.22 — Principal rail transition references
67
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Annex B
(normative)
Standard test method for the determination of the plane strain fracture
toughness (KIc) of rails
B.1 Test methods

This test shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E399 except where superseded by the
requirements specified in this part of EN 13674. The requirements specified in this part of the EN 13674 apply only
to the determination of plane strain fracture toughness of railway rail steels covered by the definitions and
requirements of this standard.
B.2 Test pieces

B.2.1 The location of the test piece in the rail’s transverse section is shown in Figure B.1.
B.2.2 The thickness “B” of all test pieces shall be 25 mm. For any rail head transverse profile the test piece width
“W” shall be the maximum achievable of the following dimensions:
40 mm;
45 mm;
50 mm.
B.3 Number of tests

A minimum of 5 tests from each sample shall be performed.
B.4 Test conditions

NOTE It is recommended that the chevron notch in ASTM E399 is used to avoid crack front curvature problems.
B.4.1 Fatigue pre-cracking shall be carried out in the temperature range + 15 °C to + 25 °C using a stress ratio in
the range > 0 < + 0,1. Fatigue pre-cracking shall be carried out at a cyclic frequency in the range 15 Hz to 120 Hz.
The final crack length to test piece width ratio shall be in the range 0,45 to 0,55 and during the last 1,25 mm of
crack growth Kmax shall be in the range 18 MPa m1/2 to 22 MPa m1/2.
B.4.2 The single edge notched bend test piece shall be loaded under displacement control using three point
bending with a loading span (S) equal to four times the test piece width (W).
B.4.3 Tests shall be performed at a test temperature of - 20 °C ± 2 °C. Test piece temperature shall be measured
using a beadless thermocouple spot welded to the test piece at the location shown in Figure B.2.
B.5 Analysis of test data

B.5.1 The calculation of KQ shall be in accordance with ASTM E399. The checks made to establish whether this
value is a valid KIc shall be in accordance with ASTM E399 except for the requirements of B.5.2 to B.5.6.
68
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
B.5.2 Pmax/PQ shall be less than 1,10 for force-crack mouth opening curves where pop-in does not occur before
the intersection of the curve with the 95 % secant. There shall be no Pmax/PQ criterion for other types of curve.
B.5.3 The linearity of force-crack mouth opening curves Ia, Ib, IIa and III (see Figure B.3) shall be checked in the
following manner.
Measure the distance (v1) between the tangent OA and the force-crack mouth opening curve at a constant force of
0,8 PQ. Measure the distance (v) between the tangent OA and the force-crack mouth opening curve at a constant
force of PQ. For a test result to be valid v1 ≤ 0,25 v.
B.5.4 The linearity of force - crack mouth opening curves IIb and IIc (see Figure B.3) shall be checked in the
following manner.
Measure the distance between the tangent OA and the force - crack mouth opening curve at constant forces of
0,8 PQ and PQ recording these values as v1 * and v* respectively.
Measure the crack mouth opening values arising from all “pop-ins” that occur up to PQ; this is done by measuring
the horizontal distance travelled along the crack mouth opening axis between the start and finish of each “pop-in”.
Sum the values for “pop-ins” occurring below 0,8 PQ and for those occurring between 0,8 PQ and PQ recording
them as ∑ v1pi and ∑ vpi respectively.
For a test result to be valid [v1 *- ∑ v1pi] ≤ 0,25 [v* - (∑ vpi + ∑ v1pi)]
B.5.5 The linearity criterion cannot be applied to force - crack mouth opening curve IV.
B.5.6 For all force - crack mouth opening curves the KQ value shall be subjected to the validity check that the test
piece thickness (B) and crack length (a) are equal to, or greater than, the value of 2,5 (KQ/Rp(2))2, where Rp(2) is the
0,2 % proof stress at the fracture test temperature of - 20 °C.
B.6 Reporting of results

All measurements required to calculate the test result and to show that the test conditions were as specified in the
test procedure shall be recorded.
* *
All results shall be reported as either KIc values KQ values or KQ values; where KQ values are those KQ values
which failed the validity criteria due only to one or more of the following:
1) Pmax/PQ > 1,1;
2) Exceedence of the 2,5 (KQ/Rp(2))2 criterion;
3) Crack mouth opening displacement - force relationship.
*
The mean and standard deviation of both KIC and KQ results shall be recorded. For each grade of rail tested these
results shall be included in a table giving the following information.
69
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Steel 0,2 % Mean Number of Sample Mean Number Sample

Grade Proof KIC KIC standard KQ of KQ standard
Stress at 1/2 results deviation results deviation
(MPa m )
- 20 °C (MPa m
1/2
) (MPa m
1/2
) (MPa m
1/2
)
N/mm2
The value to be used for the acceptance criteria is that of the mean KIC and shall be based on a minimum of five
KIC values.
*
When five KIC values have not been obtained any KQ values shall be included with any KIC values in the mean
value to be used for the acceptance criteria. In this event the number of test results shall be at least ten.
All values of KIC and K*Q shall be above the minimum value specified in Table 2..
70
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
12,5 12,5
1
2
2
H
W
= =
Key
1 Notch machined in this face
2 Section through rail head
3 Letter ‘H’ to be stamped on end face of test piece as shown
B = 25
W = see B.2.2
For all other test piece proportions
see ASTM E399
Figure B.1 — Location and section of fracture toughness test pieces
71
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
5
3
10
Key
1 Notch
2 Thermocouple to be placed in the shaded zone
3 Fatigue crack tip
Figure B.2 — Location of thermocouple on fracture toughness specimens
72
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Key
1 Force, P
2 Crack mouth opening displacement (v)
Key
1 Force, P
2 Crack mouth opening displacement (v)’
Figure B.3 — Force - Crack mouth opening curves
73
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Annex C
(normative)
Method for the determination of rail foot surface longitudinal residual

stresses
C.1 Procedure
Residual stresses shall be estimated by first attaching an electrical strain gauge on the rail foot surface. The
surface to which the gauge is attached shall be progressively isolated from the rail and the relaxed strains shall
then be used to estimate the stresses which have been relieved whilst the original residual stresses are taken to be
those values but with a change of sign.
C.2 Strain gauges and their location

Electrical strain gauges of the encapsulated type shall be used, 3 mm in length with a gauge factor accuracy of
better than ± 1 %.
The strain gauge shall be attached to the surface of the rail foot in order to measure longitudinal strain at the
positions as shown in Figure C.1. The surface of the rail foot shall be prepared and the strain gauge shall be
attached, in accordance with the recommendations of the strain gauge manufacturer.
Any surface preparation shall not itself result in a change of the residual stresses in the rail foot.
NOTE The strain gauge should be located at the centre of the 1 m length of the sample rail set aside for this work.
Readings shall be taken from the strain gauges. While cooling the rails to maintain a constant temperature, two
saw cuts shall be made to remove a 20 mm thick slice from the centre of the rail length (Figure C.2). A second set
of measurements shall be taken.
The residual stresses shall be calculated from the differences between the first and second sets of relieved strains
by multiplying by 2,07 × 105 N/mm2.
74
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Key
1 Strain gauge
Figure C.1 — Location of strain gauge to measure rail foot surface longitudinal residual stresses
75
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
4
500
1 3
20
2
500
Key
1 Centreline
2 Saw cut
3 Strain gauge
4 Rail foot
Figure C.2 — Slice removed from the rail
76
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Annex D
(normative)
Limiting sulfur prints
The limiting sulfur prints presented in this annex are summarised in Table D.1.
Table D.1 — Limiting sulfur prints
Figure Limiting sulfur print Classification
D.1 Perfect Acceptable

D.2 Small negative and positive segregation Acceptable
D.3 Negative segregation in the web Acceptable
D.4 Small positive segregation Acceptable
D.5 Dendritic structure Acceptable
D.6 Spotty segregation over the total cross section Acceptable
D.7 Negative segregation-zone arising from electromagnetic stirring Acceptable
D.8 Negative rim Not acceptable
D.9 Positive segregation from internal hot cracks in the blooms See Figure D.9
D.10 Subsurface pin holes Not acceptable
D.11 Double positive segregation in the web Not acceptable
D.12 Central web segregation extending into head and/or base Not acceptable
D.13 Scheme of sulfur prints of rails rolled from continuously cast blooms See Figure D.13
77
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Classification: acceptable
Figure D.1 — Perfect sulfur print
78
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Figure D.2 — Small negative and positive segregation
79
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Figure D.3 — Negative segregation in the web
80
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Figure D.4 — Small positive segregation
81
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Figure D.5 — Dendritic structure
82
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Figure D.6 — Spotty segregation over the total cross-section
83
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Figure D.7 — Negative segregation - zone arising from electromagnetic stirring
84
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Classification: not acceptable
Figure D.8 — Negative rim
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Classification: acceptable for crack length < 5 mm for not heat treated and < 3 mm for heat treated materials
acceptable for added length of single cracks < 10 mm
Figure D.9 — Positive segregation from internal hot cracks in blooms
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Figure D.10 — Subsurface pin holes
87
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Figure D.11 — Double positive segregation in the web
88
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Figure D.12 — Central web segregation extending into head and/or base
89
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X max
X max
Classification: Central web segregation extending into head and/or base not acceptable exceeding the following
threshold values X max:
Profile: max. acceptable extension x

46E1 to 54 E3 15 mm
All other profiles Nil
Figure D.13 — Schematic diagram defining extent of allowable web segregation
90
prEN 13674-1:2002 (E)
Annex E
(normative)
Profile and drilling gauges
The gauges for manufacture as specified in 9.3 are shown in the figures which are summarised in Table E.1.
Table E.1 — Summary of figures
Figure E.1 Datum references for tolerances

Figure E.2 Datum references for decision
Figure E.3 Height of rail
Figure E.4 Crown profile
Figure E.5 Width or rail head
Figure E.6 and E.7 Asymmetry
Figure E.8 Fishing height HF and inclination IF
Figure E.9 Web thickness
Figure E.10 Width of rail foot
Figure E.11 Foot toe thickness
Figure E.12 and E.13 Drilling gauges
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WH
As As
C
b'
b
= =
= =
= =
= =
14 14
H
WT
HF
IF
14 14
=
=
=
=
= =
= =
TF
WF
Figure E.1 — Datum references for tolerances (see Table 8 and Figure A.22)
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1 0 1
2 2
3 3
3 3
14 14
4 4
5 5
5 5
14 14
4 4
3 3
6 6
3 3
6 6
Datum Reference Figure No.

0 - Height - must not + must pass E.3
0 - Crown profile - must + must not pass the wedge E.4
1 - Width of rail head - must not + must touch E.5
2 - Rail asymmetry - must not + must touch E.6, E.7
3 - Inclination of fishing surfaces E.8
4, 5 - Height of fishplating - must + must not touch E.8
5 - Web thickness - must not + must pass E.9
4,5 - Thickness of rail foot E.11
- - must not touch the web + must touch the web E.11
6 - Width of rail foot - must not + must pass E.10
Figure E.2 — Datum references for decision
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Figure E.3 – Height of rail
94
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11
3
8
2
b+2
3 R
b'
1
1
2/2 2/2
1/2 1/2
b
2
1
b
b'
R1
R2
4 20 20 4
10,6
10,3
9,4
9,4
Class B Class A
1,5
Key
1 Maximum width of rail head tolerance
2 Theoretical profile
3 Step gauge to check the table shape
4 Thickness 10
Figure E.4 — Crown profile
95
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_
_
Figure E.5 — Width of rail head
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R5
1:n
1:n
90º
X X
b
1:n
12 12
2 WF/6
2 WF/3
WF
Figure E.6 — Rail asymmetry
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5
1:n
1:n
t 90º
b
1:n
12 12
2 WF/6
2 WF/3
WF
Figure E.7 — Rail asymmetry
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Key
1 and 2 Marks engraved 14 mm apart to indicate measuring points
3 h3 = theoretical
4 HF = theoretical
X1, X2, X3, X4: gap between rail and gauge measured with a feeler gauge
Points X1 and X2, maximum difference 0,35 mm
Points X3 and X4, maximum difference 0,35 mm
Maximum total difference when added together - 0,35 mm
Figure E.8 — Fishing height and inclination
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Figure E.9 — Web thickness
100
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Figure E.10 — Width of rail foot
101
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14
4 1:n1
t"
t'' = t x s in (90 - arctan (1: n1))
t'
t'' = t x n1 2
14
1:n1
Key
1 Maximum
2 Minimum
3 Width of foot/2
4 Tolerance
Figure E.11 — Foot toe thickness
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W + V1
W
WT
WT
2WT
Z
V2 V1 W W V1 V2
Key
WT Web thickness
Figure E.12 — Gauge for checking distance between holes and rail end and hole diameter
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WT
2 WF/6
2 WF/3
WF
Key
WT Web thickness
Z Distance between centre of the hole and base of the rail
Figure E.13 — Gauge for checking distance between holes and base of rail
104
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Annex F
(informative)
Comparison of steel designations referred to in this standard compared to

those in EN 10027-1 and EN 10027-2
Steel grade in this standard Steel name according to EN 10027-1 Steel number according to EN 10027-2
R200 R200 1.0521
R220 R220 1.0524
R260 R260 1.0623
R260Mn R260Mn 1.0624
R320Cr R320Cr 1.0915
R350HT R350G1HT 1.0631
R350LHT R350G2HT 1.0632
105
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Annex ZA
(informative)
Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or

other provisions of EU Directives.
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association and supports essential requirements of EU Directive.
Council Directive 96/48/EC of 23 July 1996 on the Interoperability of the trans-European high speed rail system
Compliance with this Standard provides one means of conforming with the specific essential requirements of the
Directives concerned and associated EFTA Regulations
WARNING: Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the products falling within the scope
of this Standard
Correspondence between this European Standard and EU Directive
Clauses/sub-clauses of Chapter/§/points Corresponding text, Comments

This European Standard of TSI Infrastructure §/annex of the Directive
96/48/EU
Chapter 4 – Chapter II Article 5

Characterisation of
the subsystem Points 3a; 3b
§ 4.3 – Specified Annex II point 3

performance
§ 5 – Steel grades Point 4.3.3 Annex III Clauses 1.1; 1.5 Only the following points:
Table 1: Steel grades and Annex K1 - hardness of the rail
- profile of the rail
§ 9 – Acceptance tests - linear mass of the rail are
9.1.7 Hardness considered as relevant to

satisfy the essential
requirements of the
Directive 96/48/EC
§ 9.2 Dimension tolerances Chapter 5 – Interoperability Chapter II Article 5
9.2.1 Profile Constituents Point 3e, 3f
§ 5.2 – Description of the Chapter III Article 8

Interoperability Constituents of
the Infrastructure Subsystem
Annex A: Rail profiles | Point 5.2.1 – The rail and |

Annex K2
106
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Bibliograhy
[1] EN ISO 9001, Quality management systems – Requirements (ISO 9001:2000).
[2] EN 10027-1, Designation systems for steel – Part 1: Steel names, principal symbols.
[3] EN 10027-2, Designation systems for steel – Part 2: Numerical systems.
107

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FINAL DRAFT

EUROPEAN STANDARD prEN 13674-1

Railway applications - Track - Rail - Part 1: Vignole railway rails

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

8.2.1 Test pieces and test methods.....................................................................................................................12

This document is currently submitted to the Formal Vote.

This part of EN 13674 has two major divisions:

Rail grading is based on hardness rather than tensile strength.

This part of EN 13674 is the first of a series of standards for rails.

 Part 1: Vignole railway rails 46 kg/m and above

 Part 3: Check rails

Other standards planned for publication include the following:

Special purpose rail-Part 1:Grooved and associated construction.

Flash butt welding of 220 and 260 grade reusable rails.

Flash butt welding in association with crossing construction.

Approval of aluminothermic welding processes.

Restoration of rails by electric arc welding.

Annexes A, B, C, D and E are normative. Annex F is informative.

This document includes a Bibliography.

 hydrogen test techniques;

 roller straightening effects on residual stresses;

 roller straightening effects on contact scrub;

 measurement and effect of residual stresses throughout the rail.

There are 21 rail profiles specified in this Standard.

ISO 1099, Metals - Axial load fatigue testing.

ISO 4968, Steel - Macrographic examination by sulfur print (Baumann method).

3 Terms and definitions

NOTE 2 This process is sometimes referred to as sub critical diffusion annealing.

4 Information to be supplied by the purchaser

a) the rail profiles (see annex A);

b) the steel grades (see clause 5);

c) the profiles class, ‘X’ or ‘Y’ (see 9.2.1);

d) the straightness class ‘A’ or ‘B’ of rail as specified in 9.2.2;

e) the lengths of rail (see 9.2.3 and Table 10);

g) any special treatments to be applied to bolt holes;

h) tolerances for bolt holes to which special processes are to be applied;

i) paint code requirements (see 7.4.4).

Table 1 — Steel grades

a See Table 5 for chemical composition/mechanical properties.

7.1 Product integrity

7.1.1 Factory production control

7.1.2 Best practice manufacture

The product shall be manufactured to the best practices as defined in 7.1.

The brand marks shall include:

a) the identification of the mill;

b) the steel grade as shown in Table 1;

c) the last two figures of the year of manufacture;

d) the rail profile identification as shown in annex A.

7.4.2 Hot stamping

c) the position of the rail in the bloom (A, B ... Y).

7.4.3 Cold stamping

7.4.4 Other identification

8.1.8 All test results shall be reported to the purchaser.

8.2 Fracture toughness (KIc)

8.2.1 Test pieces and test methods

Tests shall be performed in accordance with annex B.

8.2.2 Qualifying criteria

The value of K1c shall comply with Table 2.

Table 2 — Minimum single and minimum mean values of KIc

Steel grade Minimum single value Minimum Mean

KIc (MPa m+1/2) KIc (MPa m+1/2)

200 and 220 30 35