Steel rails are secured using various rail fastening systems, each designed to ensure the rail's stability and hold it securely in place. The most commonly employed systems are as follows:
1. Elastic fastening systems: These systems employ either elastic clips or tension clamps to secure the rail. Typically crafted from durable materials like steel, these clips or clamps create a flexible connection between the rail and the baseplate. This design allows for some rail movement, effectively absorbing vibrations and reducing stress on the track.
2. Pandrol fastening systems: Widely used in railway construction and maintenance, Pandrol systems consist of a baseplate attached to sleepers or ties, along with a clip that holds the rail in position. Made from robust materials, such as steel, the clip provides a strong and secure connection between the rail and the baseplate.
3. KPO fastening systems: Commonly employed in heavy rail applications, KPO systems feature a baseplate affixed to sleepers or ties, alongside a clamp that holds the rail in place. The clamp is tightened using bolts or other fasteners, ensuring a tight and secure connection between the rail and the baseplate.
4. Nabla fastening systems: Nabla systems find widespread use in high-speed rail and tram applications. They consist of a baseplate attached to sleepers or ties, with a clip designed to securely hold the rail in position. This clip is specifically engineered to maintain a reliable connection between the rail and the baseplate, even under high-speed and heavy load conditions.
5. Vossloh fastening systems: Vossloh systems are commonly utilized in urban rail and light rail applications. Similar to the previous systems, they consist of a baseplate attached to sleepers or ties, with a clip designed to securely hold the rail in place. This clip offers a secure and reliable connection while also allowing for some flexibility to absorb vibrations and reduce stress on the track.
These examples represent only a fraction of the diverse rail fastening systems employed with steel rails. The selection of a particular system depends on various factors, including the type of rail application, expected load and speed conditions, and the specific requirements of the railway network.
There are several different rail fastening systems used with steel rails, each designed to securely hold the rail in place and provide stability to the track. Some of the most commonly used rail fastening systems include:
1. Elastic fastening systems: This type of fastening system uses elastic clips or tension clamps to hold the rail in place. The elastic clips or tension clamps are usually made of steel or other durable materials and provide a flexible connection between the rail and the baseplate. This system allows for some movement of the rail, which helps absorb vibrations and reduces stresses on the track.
2. Pandrol fastening systems: Pandrol fastening systems are widely used in railway construction and maintenance. They consist of a baseplate, which is attached to the sleepers or ties, and a clip that holds the rail in place. The clip is made of durable materials such as steel and provides a strong and secure connection between the rail and the baseplate.
3. KPO fastening systems: KPO fastening systems are commonly used in heavy rail applications. They consist of a baseplate, which is attached to the sleepers or ties, and a clamp that holds the rail in place. The clamp is tightened using bolts or other fasteners, ensuring a tight and secure connection between the rail and the baseplate.
4. Nabla fastening systems: Nabla fastening systems are widely used in high-speed rail and tram applications. They consist of a baseplate, which is attached to the sleepers or ties, and a clip that holds the rail in place. The clip is designed to provide a secure and reliable connection between the rail and the baseplate, even under high-speed and heavy load conditions.
5. Vossloh fastening systems: Vossloh fastening systems are commonly used in urban rail and light rail applications. They consist of a baseplate, which is attached to the sleepers or ties, and a clip that holds the rail in place. The clip is designed to provide a secure and reliable connection between the rail and the baseplate, while also allowing for some flexibility to absorb vibrations and reduce stresses on the track.
These are just a few examples of the different rail fastening systems used with steel rails. Each system has its own advantages and is chosen based on factors such as the type of rail application, the expected load and speed conditions, and the specific requirements of the railway network.
There are several rail fastening systems used with steel rails, including the traditional rail spikes, elastic rail clips, bolted clamps, and direct fixation fasteners. Each system serves the purpose of securing the rail to the sleepers or ties, ensuring stability and allowing for the safe and efficient operation of the railway system.
