What is the function of fasteners in railway track?

What is rail fastening?

Rail fastening is the crucial system of clips, plates, spikes, and other components that securely connect steel rails to sleepers (ties) to ensure track stability, maintain correct gauge, transfer heavy loads, and dampen vibrations, allowing for safe and efficient train operation. These systems prevent rails from moving sideways, vertically, or longitudinally (creep) and must withstand intense forces from passing trains while also allowing for some elasticity for comfort and longevity.

Rail clips are an essential component of railway tracks that play a critical role in the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods. They are small, but powerful fasteners that hold the rails firmly in place and distribute the weight of trains evenly across the tracks.

What is the function of fasteners in railway track?

Railway fasteners securely attach rails to sleepers, maintaining correct gauge and position while withstanding immense forces, absorbing vibrations, and allowing for expansion/contraction, ensuring track stability, safety, and passenger comfort by preventing rail movement and reducing noise/shock.

Key Functions of Railway Fasteners:

• Secure Rail to Sleeper: They firmly connect the steel rail to the concrete or wooden sleeper, preventing the rail from shifting.

• Maintain Gauge: Fasteners keep the correct distance (gauge) between the two rails, crucial for wheel guidance.

• Withstand Forces: They resist vertical, longitudinal (along the track), and lateral (sideways) forces from passing trains, distributing them to the sleeper and ballast.

• Provide Elasticity & Damping: Elastic components absorb shock and vibration from wheels, reducing noise, improving ride comfort, and protecting track components from fatigue.

• Allow for Adjustment & Expansion: They allow for minor adjustments and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the rails.

• Insulation (in some cases): Certain fasteners provide electrical insulation to prevent stray currents.

GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly.

GNEE RAIL can supplies E rail clips, SKL rail clips, Nabla types rail clips, KPO rail clips, and other customized types of rail clips with competitive price and factory delivery.

For more information – Get in touch now!