In railway track maintenance and construction, the proper use of Rail Anchors is crucial, as it directly affects the stability and service life of the track structure. The primary function of a Rail Anchor is to prevent the longitudinal movement of rails (Rail Creep); therefore, strict installation and maintenance procedures must be followed to ensure performance and safety.
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 | ||
Below are the key points to consider when using Rail Anchors
1. Correct Installation Position and Orientation
- Rail Anchors should be installed on the gauge side of the rail base, tightly against the tie face.
- Each pair of anchors must be installed on opposite sides of the sleeper to maintain balanced forces.
- Anchors must not be placed at the center of the sleeper or any non-designated position, as improper installation can result in insufficient holding force or damage to the rail base.
2. Ensure Sufficient Clamping Force and Tight Fit
- Rail Anchors must firmly grip the rail base without any looseness or gaps.
- Special installation tools or hydraulic devices should be used to achieve complete contact between the anchor and the rail.
- If any looseness, displacement, or deformation occurs, the anchor should be immediately replaced to prevent rail creep.
3. Avoid Hammering or Sliding the Anchor
- During track adjustment or rail replacement, do not hammer or slide the Rail Anchor along the rail.
- Such actions can damage the rail base, weaken the holding force, and cause metal fatigue cracks.
- The correct method is to remove and reinstall the anchor after cleaning and re-positioning, ensuring all contact surfaces are free of rust, oil, and debris.
4. Inspect Sleeper and Rail Conditions
- The effectiveness of a Rail Anchor depends on the condition of both the sleeper and the rail.
- If the sleeper is cracked, worn, or loose, both the sleeper and the anchor should be replaced.
- Before installation, ensure the rail base is clean and free of oil, rust, or old paint, as these can reduce friction and anchoring strength.
5. Configure the Correct Quantity and Spacing
According to AREMA and UIC standards:
- Each 39-foot (approximately 12-meter) rail section should use at least 8 Rail Anchors.
- In critical areas such as bridges, slopes, and crossings, the number of anchors should be increased - for example, one pair every three sleepers.
- Proper configuration effectively prevents longitudinal stress accumulation caused by temperature changes.
6. Regular Inspection and Anti-Corrosion Maintenance
- Over time, environmental exposure, train vibration, and temperature fluctuations can cause loosening or corrosion of Rail Anchors.
- It is recommended to conduct 1–2 dedicated inspections per year, focusing on rust, deformation, and wear at the contact surfaces.
- For coastal or humid regions, use hot-dip galvanized (HDG) or epoxy-coated anchors to extend service life and improve durability.
GNEE RAIL offers Rail Anchors made from 60Si2MnA spring steel, QT500-7 ductile cast iron, and 45# carbon steel, with multiple surface treatment options such as zinc plating, painting, and hot-dip galvanizing. Custom production based on client drawings is also available.Send your special customization requirements to GNEE.
In addition, GNEE RAIL supplies a full range of track fastening components including Rail Clip, Fish Plate, Rail Pad, and Tie Plate, and provides technical installation guidance and maintenance optimization solutions, ensuring safe, stable, and long-lasting railway operation even under complex environmental conditions.
