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The concept of the rail damage function provides vital understanding of the operational performance of rail grades in terms of surface degradation. The present study extends this concept from conventional to premium pearlitic rail. This is done on the basis of both simulations of dynamic traintrack interaction and field observations. Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) damage index values for the conventional R260Mn and the premium R370CrHT grade rail are established, describing the behaviour of the associated damage functions. Defining the individual rail grade damage response to operational loading levels, the potential of the RCF-damage function to support the process of rail grade selection and track maintenance is further discussed.

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The extensive usage of railway infrastructure demands a high level of robustness, which can be achieved partly by considering (and managing) the track and rolling stock as one integral system with due attention to their interface. A growing number of infra managers consider, in this framework, the track-friendliness of vehicles that have access to their tracks as a key control parameter. The aim of this study is to provide further insight into potential contributions to track-friendliness, assessed in relation to track deterioration mechanisms and cost, understanding how potential benefits are best to be utilised. Six proposed freight bogie design measures are evaluated with respect to the improvement in curving behaviour, switch negotiation and related track degradation mechanisms. To this purpose a sensitivity analysis has been carried out by means of track-train simulations in the VAMPIRE R multi body simulation software. Additionally, the impact on track deterioration costs has been calculated for those track-friendly design modifications identified as most promising. Conclusions show that the standard Y25L freight bogie design displays rather a track-friendly behaviour. Tuning the primary yaw stiffness shows a high potential to further improve trackfriendliness, significantly reducing track deterioration cost at narrow radius curves and switches (by, respectively, 30% and 60%). When calculating the overall deterioration cost for the travelled route, the calculation model should include a well-balanced representation of switches and narrow radius curves.