The function of rail fastening system is to fix rails to railway sleeper or railroad ties. Generally, a rail fastening system is consisted of rail anchors, rail tie plates, chairs, fasteners, spikes, screws, bolts, etc.
Functions of the railway fastenings system
Fixing rails
The rail fastening system securely fastens the rails to the sleepers or track plates using a variety of parts to stop the railroad track from slipping or deflecting.
Withstanding train loads
To prevent undue strain on the sleepers, the rail fastener system must be able to sustain the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical forces produced by the train's operation while also distributing these forces uniformly to the sleepers.
Providing elasticity and buffering
There will be collision and vibration between the train wheels and rails. By using elastic components (such as elastic clip fasteners and rail pad) to absorb these dynamic loads, the railway fastener system lessens damage to the sleepers and rails while enhancing ride comfort.
Anti-fatigue
The design of the fastener system requires long-term anti-fatigue performance. Also, the ability to maintain stable fixing forces in complex environments is needed.
