Best Rail Shoulder for Heavy Haul Tracks

Top Choices:
Forged Steel Shoulders

Highest durability (fatigue life 2x cast iron).

Used in North American heavy haul.

Ductile Iron Shoulders

Better impact resistance than cast iron.

Common in Australian mining railways .

Hardened Alloy Shoulders

Boron or manganese steel for extreme wear resistance.

Used in high-tonnage coal routes .

Key Selection Factors:
Axle Load: >30 tons requires high-strength steel.
Track Curvature: Sharper curves need reinforced braces.
Environmental Conditions: Coastal areas need corrosion-resistant materials.

Final Recommendations:
For heavy haul: Use forged steel or ductile iron shoulders.

For corrosion-prone areas: Stainless steel or galvanized options.

For high-speed tracks: Elastic rail braces.