On the vast edges of the Sahara Desert, a unique road device-screw spikes-can often be seen on desert highways. These seemingly simple metal components are the crystallization of wisdom in local transportation engineering to combat harsh environments. Like rows of silent guards, they use their spiral bodies to firmly grasp loose sand and gravel, providing critical safety guidance for passing vehicles.
In the 1980s, engineers drew inspiration from how plant roots stabilize sand to design these metal spikes with spiral structures. Unlike ordinary spikes, their bases are not straight rods but extend in a spiral shape, similar to a corkscrew. When screwed into the ground, the spiral blades mechanically interlock with the sand, maintaining stability even under strong winds or shifting dunes.
Why Not Use Cheaper Cement Blocks?
Experiments have shown that cement blocks are prone to cracking in deserts where daily temperature differences exceed 40°C, while metal screw spikes have lower thermal expansion and contraction rates. More importantly, when sand dunes shift, cement blocks can be completely buried or toppled, whereas screw spikes can automatically adjust their height with changes in the sand layer, always keeping their reflective parts exposed.
Design Advantages of Screw Spikes
Reverse spiral grooves: The upward twisting direction opposes the airflow generated by vehicle tires, preventing them from being "unscrewed" from the ground.
Hollow structure: The internal cavity reduces weight while producing a whistling sound during sandstorms to serve as an acoustic warning.
Diamond-reflective surface: Unlike common circular reflectors, the unique angular design simultaneously reflects both vehicle headlights and sunlight.
Types of screw spikes GNEE RAIL can provide
Ss series Sleeper Screw
| Type | Specification | Weight/kg | Surface | Standard |
| Ss 1/130 | M22*130 | 0.451 | Natural,Zinc,Paint,Oil. According to your needs. | UIC,AREMA,GB or According to your drawings or samples. |
| Ss 1/150 | M22*150 | 0.478 | ||
| Ss 2/180 | M22*150 | 0.595 | ||
| Ss 5/150 | M24*150 | 0.545 | ||
| Ss 6/150 | M26*150 | 0.702 | ||
| Ss 7/180 | M24*180 | 0.636 | ||
| Ss 8/140 | M24*140 | 0.528 | ||
| Ss 8/150 | M24*150 | 0.548 |
Square head screw spike
| Type | Specification | Material | Surface | Standard |
| Square head screw spike | M22*145 | 45# | Natural | UIC |
| 55Q | Zinc | AREMA | ||
| M22*155 | Q235 | Paint | DIN | |
| M22*165 | or | Oil | GB | |
| M22*185 | According to your needs. | According to your needs. | or | |
| M22*195 | According to your drawings or samples. | |||
| Other kinds |
Hexagon screw spike
| Grade | 4.6 | 5 .6 | 8.8 | 10.9 |
| Material | Q235 | 35# | 45# | 40Cr |
| Mechanical | Tensile strength: ≥ 400Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥ 500Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥ 800Mpa | Tensile strength: ≥ 1000Mpa |
| Yield strength: ≥ 240Mpa | Yield strength: ≥ 300Mpa | Yield strength: ≥ 640Mpa | Yield strength: ≥ 900Mpa | |
| Elongation: ≥ 22% | Elongation: ≥ 20% | Elongation: ≥ 12% | Elongation: ≥ 9% | |
| Cold bending: 90 degree | Cold bending: 90 degree | Cold bending: 90 degree | Cold bending: 90 degree | |
| without crack | without crack | without crack | without crack | |
| Surface | plain (oiled) , Oxide black, Zinc, HDG, wax, bitumen, Dacromet, Sherardizing | |||
Double-head screw spike
| Size: 23×174 |
| Grade: 4.6, 5.6, 8.8, 10.9 |
| Raw Material: 35# |
| Raw material: Q235, 35#, 45# |
| Surface Treatment: Plain (oiled), Bluing, Zinc, HDG, etc |
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