Material selection for railroad bridge bearings to avoid brittle fracture

Steel structures are typically engineered for the upper range of the steel toughness‐temperature curve. To account for the reduction in toughness properties within the temperature transition range, additional safety assessments are necessary. These assessments rely on fracture mechanics considerations and enable the selection of an adequate steel material to prevent brittle fracture. Considering this context, recommendations were already put forth in 2011 to govern the appropriate choice of steel grades for bearing components. However, these recommendations are no longer entirely current in light of more recent findings. As a result, the German Centre for Rail Traffic Research has called a research project with the aim to formulate proposals to expand the regulatory framework related to suitable material selection, aimed at preventing brittle fracture in bridge bearings.