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What are the different types of rail joints used in steel rails?

Answer:

The different types of rail joints used in steel rails include butt joints, lap joints, and compromise joints. Butt joints are formed by joining the ends of two rails together, creating a straight continuous rail. Lap joints involve overlapping the ends of two rails and fastening them together with bolts or fish plates. Compromise joints are a combination of butt and lap joints and are used when the rail length needs to be adjusted.
There are three main types of rail joints used in steel rails: the fishplate joint, the insulated joint, and the welded joint. The fishplate joint is the most common, where two rail ends are connected with a pair of metal plates and bolts. The insulated joint is used to create an electrical break in the rail, typically to isolate sections of track for signaling or power distribution purposes. Lastly, the welded joint is formed by welding the rail ends together, creating a seamless and continuous track.
There are several types of rail joints commonly used in steel rails, including bolted joints, welded joints, and insulated joints. Bolted joints use bolts and nuts to connect the rails, providing flexibility and ease of maintenance. Welded joints, on the other hand, involve the fusion of rail ends using specialized welding techniques, resulting in a seamless and continuous track. Insulated joints are used to electrically isolate sections of the track, allowing for the safe passage of electric current in electrified railway systems. Each type of rail joint has its advantages and is chosen based on factors such as the track's location, purpose, and maintenance requirements.

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