Rail fastening systems play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe functioning of railway tracks. From bullet trains to freight lines, these unsung heroes silently hold the track infrastructure together, allowing us to traverse vast distances with ease. But have you ever wondered about the different types of rail fastening systems that exist? In this blog post, we will delve into the world of rail fasteners, exploring their various types and understanding how they contribute to keeping our journeys on track. So buckle up as we embark on a fascinating journey through the realm of rail fastening systems!
Introduction to Rail Fastening Systems
There are numerous types of rail fastening systems currently in use around the world. The most common type is the Pandrol clip, which is used in over 70% of railways. Other popular types include the Kew hitch and the Linke Hofmann Busch system.
Each type of rail fastening system has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. For example, Pandrol clips are very easy to install and remove, but they can come loose over time. Kew hitches are much more secure, but they're more difficult to install.
The best way to figure out which rail fastening system is right for you is to consult with a professional. They will be able to evaluate your needs and recommend the best option for your particular situation.
Types of Rail Fastening Systems
There are numerous types of rail fastening systems used throughout the world. The most common type in North America is the Pandrol clip, which is used on almost all mainlines. Other common fastening systems include the Kuehn system, used in Germany, and the Vossloh system, used in Spain. Some less common systems include the SKL system, used in Russia, and the MCS system, used in Sweden.
The Pandrol clip is a two-part fastening system that consists of a threaded baseplate and a spring-loaded clip. The baseplate is attached to the sleeper with screws or nails, and the clip is placed over the rail and clipped onto the baseplate. This type of fastening system is very strong and resistant to vibration and movement, making it ideal for use on mainlines.
The Kuehn system is similar to the Pandrol clip in that it consists of a baseplate and a clip, but the Kuehn system uses a wedge-shaped clip instead of a spring-loaded clip. The wedge-shaped clip grips the rail more securely than the spring-loaded clips used in other fastening systems, making it ideal for use on high-speed lines.
The Vossloh system is another two-part fastening system that consists of a baseplate and a screw clamp. The screw clamp holds the rail more securely than either clips or wedges, making it ideal for use on lines with
- Elastic Clips
Elastic clips are one of the most popular types of rail fastening system. They are easy to install and provide a good grip on the track. However, they are not as durable as other types of rail fasteners and can come loose over time.
- Screw Spikes
Screw spikes are one of the most common types of rail fastening system. They are simple to install and provide a strong connection between the rail and the sleeper. Screw spikes are also known as track bolts.
- Fishplates and Bolts
There are two types of rail fastening system: fishplates and bolts.
Fishplates are used to join two pieces of rail together. A fishplate is a metal plate that is bolted to the ends of two rails. The fishplate has holes that line up with the holes in the rails, and bolts are used to secure the rails to the fishplate.
Bolts are also used to join two pieces of rail together, but instead of being bolted to the end of the rails, they are bolted through the middle of the rails. This type of rail fastening system is called a splice bar or an internal splice.
- Anchor Bolts
Anchor bolts are used to fasten rail tracks to the ground. There are two types of anchor bolts, elastic and rigid. Elastic anchor bolts are made of steel and have a rubber or plastic sleeve around them. These anchor bolts are designed to absorb vibration and prevent damage to the track. Rigid anchor bolts are made of concrete or metal and do not have a sleeve. These anchor bolts are designed to hold the track in place during high winds or earthquakes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Rail Fastenings Systems
There are many types of rail fastening systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
One type of rail fastening system is the screw spike system. Screw spikes are driven into the tie by a screwdriver or impact wrench, and they grip the rail by friction. This type of system is very strong and resistant to vibration, but it is also very difficult to remove and replace if necessary.
Another type of rail fastening system is the clip system. Clip systems use metal clips that grip the rail from underneath. This type of system is much easier to remove and replace than screw spikes, but it is not as resistant to vibration.
A third type of rail fastening system is the nail plate system. Nail plates are nailed to the tie, and they grip the rail from above. This type of system is very easy to install and remove, but it does not provide as much grip as either screw spikes or clip systems.
Conclusion
Rail fastening systems are an essential part of any railway system, and there are several types of rail fastening systems available. As we've seen in this article, different types of rail fastenings have different advantages depending on the type of track and its location.By understanding the differences between the various types of rail fastenings, you can make sure that your railway infrastructure is up-to-date with current best practices.
Suzhou HuiBo Railway Fastener Co.,Ltd. is an expert of manufacturing track fasteners, located in Changshu, China, close to Shanghai. Our company ranks a leading position in this industry, awarded with SGS-ISO9001:2008 quality system certificate and CRCC certification, which is the highest honor of Chinese Railways.Welcome to inquiry if you need to know more about rail fastening systems details or order wholesale.
