Rail Anchors, also known as railway sleeper anchors, are critical fastening components that ensure rail stability and prevent rail creep. Typically made from one-piece spring steel, Rail Anchors use friction, elasticity, and locking structures to firmly secure the rail to the sleeper, preventing longitudinal movement caused by temperature variations, train loads, and braking forces.
Rail Anchors are compatible with various rail profiles, including 50Kg, 85Kg, 90/91LB, 115RE, 136RE, UIC54, and UIC60, and can be custom-manufactured in T-type, V-type, or other special designs according to client drawings. They work in conjunction with bolted rail clips, welded rail clips, elastic clips, sleeper pads, and rail bolts, forming a complete railway fastening system that ensures uniform load distribution and safe rail operation.
Rail anchors specifications
| Type | Used in 50Kg, 85Kg,90/91LB, 115RE /136RE ,UIC54 & UIC60 rail, or other types upon customers' drawings. | ||
| Material | 60Si2MnA | 45# | QT500-7 |
| Chemical composition(%) | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.42-0.50, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:0.17-0.37, Cr:≤0.25, P:≤0.035, S:≤0.035 | C:3.60-3.80, Mn:≤0.6, Si:2.50-2.90, P:≤0.08, S:≤0.025 |
| Surface | plain (oiled),color painting, zinc painted or HDG | ||
| Standard | AS1085.10-20002 , DIN, ISO-9001 | ||
How to Maintain Rail Anchors?
During maintenance, the tightness and stability of Rail Anchors should be regularly inspected to ensure sufficient friction with sleepers and reliable locking structures, preventing rail slip or sleeper wear. In coastal or humid regions, corrosion protection is essential, while in cold regions, materials must resist brittleness and wear.
During installation, sleepers should be level and straight, and tools such as torque wrenches, mechanical drivers, or specialized instruments should be used to verify proper installation. This ensures the long-term stability and load-bearing capacity of different Rail Anchor types, including Drive-on, Unit wrench-on, Unit channel, and Improved fair.
Additionally, Rail Anchors should be installed at key locations such as bridges, crossings, and turnouts, following prescribed spacing standards to enhance longitudinal rail restraint and overall track safety. Proper maintenance and installation not only extend the service life of anchors and sleepers but also reduce track failure rates and improve the smoothness and safety of train operations.
GNEE RAIL supplies high-quality Rail Anchors and a full range of railway fastening components, including bolted rail clips, welded rail clips, elastic clips, sleeper pads, and rail bolts, with support for custom designs, installation guidance, and comprehensive after-sales services, helping clients achieve long-term stable track performance and efficient maintenance.
