Numerical study on ratcheting performance of heavy haul rail flash-butt welds in curved tracks

•The FaStrip algorithm is modified to estimate elastic-plastic traction distribution.•Softened zones of rail welds experience the highest ratcheting strain rate.•Ratcheting strain rates in the sampled 2000 m radius curved track are higher than those in the sampled tangent track.•The RCF initiation location is highly dependent on the magnitude and pattern of traction distribution.