What Is a Rail Fastening System
A rail fastening system is a means of fixing rails to railway sleepers or railroad ties. In general, a complete rail fastening system consists of rail anchors, rail tie plates, railroad spikes, chairs, track bolts and other rail fasteners. The system holds the rail in the correct position, transfers the loads to the sleeper and provides the elasticity that protects the track structure. With the development of railway technology, various types of rail fastening systems have been designed to meet different requirements.
The E-Clip Rail Fastening System
The E-type fastening system is one of the most widely used railway fastening systems, used primarily for concrete sleepers. It is widely used in ordinary railways and heavy-load railways and is suitable for standard tracks of high-speed railways. The system consists of two E clips in 60Si2MnA or 60Si2CrA spring steel, two shoulders in ductile iron, one rail pad in HDPE, rubber or EVA, and two insulators in reinforced nylon. Its features include the elastic design, which absorbs vibration and impact; simple installation; and strong anti-fatigue performance, withstanding the dynamic load of high-frequency train operation for a long time.
The Elastic Clip Fastening System
The omega-shaped elastic clip fastening system is a fastening system named after its special shape. It is suitable for heavy-duty railways and corrosive environments, such as railways in mining areas. The system consists of two clips, two insulators, two screw spikes and two spring washers. Its features include high stability, providing very reliable lateral and longitudinal stability; strong adaptability to a variety of track conditions, including ordinary railways and high-temperature and corrosive environments; and high durability, withstanding the dynamic load of railway operation for a long time.
Tension Clip and Clamp Fastening Systems
The tension clip fastening systems are known for their excellent fatigue resistance and stability and are widely used in European railway systems. They apply to high-speed railway and urban rail transit. The system includes two tension clips, two screw spikes, two flat washers, two plastic dowels, two guide plates and one rail pad. Its features include strong elasticity, which effectively reduces vibration and noise; high reliability with scientific design; and low maintenance cost with simple installation and long service life.
The clamp fastening system is a wedge-shaped fastening commonly used on wooden and steel sleepers, applicable to ordinary railways, light rails and low-speed railways. The system includes two clamps, screw spikes, high-strength bolts, hex nuts and double coil spring washers. Its features include a simple structure that makes installation easy, high stability providing a stable track-fixing force, and low cost in both manufacturing and maintenance.
Choosing the Right System
The fastening system is selected by the track type, the load, the speed and the environment. The E-clip system suits concrete sleeper track in general service, the elastic clip system suits heavy-duty and corrosive environments, the tension clip system suits high-speed and urban lines, and the clamp system suits wooden and steel sleeper lines. Each system is supplied as a complete matched set with the clips, pads, insulators and fasteners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes up a rail fastening system? complete rail fastening system generally consists of rail anchors, rail tie plates, railroad spikes, chairs, track bolts and other components that fix the rails to the sleepers or ties.
Where is the E-clip system used? The E-type fastening system is used primarily on concrete sleepers and is widely applied in ordinary railways, heavy-load railways and high-speed railways.
What is the feature of the elastic clip system? The omega-shaped elastic clip system provides high stability and adaptability, and it is suitable for heavy-duty railways and corrosive environments such as mining railways.
Which system suits high-speed railways? The tension clip fastening system, which is known for its excellent fatigue resistance and stability and is widely used in European railway systems for high-speed and urban rail lines.
How is the system selected? By the track type, the load, the speed and the environment. The clamp fastening system, for example, suits wooden and steel sleepers on ordinary, light and low-speed lines.
