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↵Rail Dog Spike Fastening System
Dog spikes is functionally equivalent to a cut spike and is also square in horizontal section and of similar dimensions, but has a pointed penetrating end, and the rail head has two lugs on either side, giving the impression of a dog's head and aiding spike removal.
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Category | Specific Detail / Characteristic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Fastening Principle | Mechanical | Direct Mechanical Interlock & Friction (Non-elastic) | |
| Historical Period of Dominance | Historical | Late 19th to Mid-20th Century on timber-sleepered mainlines | |
| Installation Tool | Installation | Hammer or Pneumatic Spike Maul/Driver | |
| Key Limitation | Functional | Cannot Accommodate Rail Thermal Expansion; Works Loose | |
| Modern Application Niche | Economic | Heritage Railways & Very Low-Traffic Sidings | |
Mechanical & Functional Perspective
Direct Mechanical Interlock: Provides restraint primarily through the offset head gripping the rail foot edge and the friction of the square shank in the timber, offering no elastic clamping force or controlled rail movement.
Limited Longitudinal Restraint: Creates significant resistance to rail creep due to the spike's firm grip in the wood, but this can lead to high stress concentrations and split sleepers under thermal expansion forces.
No Vibration Damping: Offers minimal to no damping characteristics; vibrational energy from passing wheels is transmitted directly into the sleeper, accelerating track component deterioration.
Installation & Maintenance Perspective
- Simple Driving Installation: Installed using a hammer or pneumatic spike driver directly into pre-drilled or (in softer wood) self-penetrating holes in the rail foot and sleeper.
- High Maintenance Demand: Prone to working loose ("pumping") under repeated wheel loads due to timber compression and wear, requiring frequent visual inspection and re-driving (adzing) to maintain tightness.
- Sleeper Damage Considerations: The act of driving and re-driving can damage the timber sleeper fibers, reducing its lifespan. The square shank is specifically designed to minimize wood splitting compared to a round shank.
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