Design based on realistic load-time histories

The presented work emphasises the method and means in the development of a load-time history to be used in design and testing of railway structures. Strains are measured on an in-service train and subsequently processed. The processing includes analysis and correction of the measured time history in order to obtain the expected distributions of peaks, troughs and ranges. The time history is extrapolated to the design life, truncated and small load cycles are omitted for the purpose of acceleration at testing. Further, the use of variable amplitude loads in design is discussed and a methodology for variable amplitude testing is proposed.