During train operation, longitudinal forces frequently act on the rails, causing longitudinal movement of the rails and sometimes even displacing the sleepers. This longitudinal movement is referred to as creeping. Creeping typically occurs in sections of double-track railway lines, single-track railways, as well as zones where heavy-haul vehicles operate on gradients and perform stopping brakes.
Track creeping is often caused by irregular gauge, sleeper misalignment, and other factors, which can damage the track structure and even lead to derailments, endangering operational safety. Therefore, effective measures must be implemented to prevent creeping, with rail anchoring being the commonly adopted solution to mitigate track creeping.
Rail anchors are applied to the rail base directly and lodge up against the tie. Rail anchors provide a large bearing surface against rail base and railroad tie, preventing cutting and wear, and eventually to prolong the working life of the railroad ties. Anchors are made for a specific rail weight and base width, which can be classified into two types: the Drive-on rail anchors and Spring type rail anchor.
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:3.60-3.80, Mn:≤0.6, Si:2.50-2.90, P:≤0.08, S:≤0.025 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Surface | plain (oiled),color painting, zinc painted or HDG | ||
| Standard | AS1085.10-20002 , DIN, ISO-9001 | ||
