What rail fastening systems suit S20 steel track?

What rail fastening systems suit S20 steel track?

 

S20 steel rails (DIN 5901, 19.8 kg/m) are versatile light-duty rails frequently used in industrial transport, crane runways, and mining. Suitable fastening systems must accommodate a 100mm rail height and a 82mm base width, often involving elastic clips or rigid clamps that ensure gauge stability, particularly on concrete or steel sleepers.

 

Commonly Used Rail Fastening Systems for S20 Rails

 

 

• Elastic Rail Clips (e-type / SKL clips): Suitable for both concrete and wood sleepers, these clips maintain a constant, secure fastening force.

 

• KPO Clamps: A bolt-based clamp system frequently used for crane rails and in industrial settings where the rail is secured to steel or wood sleepers, often with steel soleplates to enhance stability and load distribution.

 

• Weldable Base Clips (Crane Rail Clips): Often used in industrial floor applications to secure the S20 rail directly to a steel support structure.

 

• Fishplates and Bolts: For joining S20 rail ends to ensure continuity and prevent displacement at joints.

 

• Dog Spikes: A classic fastening method used on wooden sleepers in light-duty environments, often in combination with tie plates.

 

Key Considerations for S20 Rail Fastening

 

• Sleeper Type: Concrete sleepers require clips with insulating components (nylon or rubber), while wood/steel sleepers may use direct spiking or KPO clamps.

 

• Environment: In mining or high-wear environments (such as those using 55Q steel grade S20 rails), flexible and high-strength fasteners like Nabla or SKL clips are preferred for better vibration damping and durability.

 

• Accessories: To ensure system longevity, rubber rail pads and rail insulators are commonly installed with S20 rail systems to reduce noise and distribute dynamic loads.

 

How do Elastic Fasteners Enhance S20 Light Rail Systems?

 

In high-vibration environments like mining or automated logistics, elastic fastening systems (such as E-clips or SKL clips) provide superior performance for the DIN 5901 S20 rail.

 

These systems use the spring tension of the clip to maintain a constant downward pressure on the 82.00 mm base, which effectively absorbs mechanical shocks. By reducing the impact transferred from the 30.00 mm head to the sleepers, elastic fasteners prevent the loosening of bolts and prolong the service life of the RAIL S20 MATERIAL STRENGTH, especially when using the harder 55Q material grade.

 

S20 rail dimensions:

 

 

Size	Rail height(mm) A	Bottom Width(mm) B	Head Width(mm) C	Web Thickness(mm) t	Weight(kg/m) *
S10	70	58	32	6	10
S14	80	70	38	9	14
S18	93	82	43	10	18.3
S20	100	82	44	10	19.8
S24	115	90	53	10	24.4
S30	108	108	60.3	12.3	30.03

 

What is the purpose of installing rail fixing on the S20 rail profile?

 

Installing rail fixing on the S20 rail profile (a 19.8 kg/m medium-weight DIN 5901 profile) is primarily designed to securely attach the rails to sleepers, concrete floors, or steel beams to ensure track stability, alignment accuracy, and load distribution in industrial and light-duty applications.

 

The S20 rail is commonly used for factory cranes, warehouse logistics, and mining tracks, requiring specialized fixings for optimal performance.

 

Key Purposes of S20 Rail Fixings:

 

 

• Load Distribution: Proper fixings (clamps, baseplates) distribute the moderate to heavy loads from crane wheels or trolleys onto the sleepers or floor, preventing the rails from causing damage to the foundation.

 

• Ensuring Track Stability: Fixings hold the rail firmly to prevent lateral or longitudinal movement, maintaining the correct track gauge (1,435 mm or specialized).

 

• Vibration and Noise Reduction: The use of rail pads and elastic fastening components in the fixing assembly helps dampen shocks, reduce noise, and protect both the rail and the supporting structure from fatigue.

 

• Adaptability for Industrial Environments: S20 fixings are designed for industrial versatility, supporting mounting on solid concrete floors (direct fastening) or on structural steel beams (using hook bolts or clamping plates).

 

• Resisting Chemical/Environmental Damage: In industrial settings, fixings are used to keep the rail system securely connected to the base, resisting forces from crane operation and harsh environments.

 

FAQ

 

Q: Can I use standard ASCE rail clips for my DIN 5901 S20 track?

A: Generally no, because the 82.00 mm base of the S20 is narrower than many American standard rails. Using mismatched clips will result in a loose fit, allowing the rail to slide longitudinally, which can lead to the buckling of the 7.00 mm web or the failure of the S20 rail joint bar during heavy braking of a crane.

 

Q: Do you recommend using rubber pads under the S20 rail base?

A: Yes, especially for crane runways on concrete beams. A rubber pad protects the 82.00 mm base from abrasion and helps distribute the 19.80 kg/m weight more evenly, which reduces noise and prevents the S20 rail section from developing fatigue cracks due to direct contact with hard surfaces.

 

Q: What is the risk of over-tightening the rail fasteners?

A: Over-tightening can strip the threads or cause the fasteners to snap under the thermal expansion of the S20 light steel rail. You must allow for a small amount of longitudinal movement so the 100.00 mm profile can expand into the S20 rail joint bar gaps during hot weather without buckling the track.

 

Q: How do we choose between spikes and bolts for a mining project?

A: Bolts provide much higher pull-out resistance and are better for permanent S20 light rail systems. Spikes are faster to install and cheaper for temporary tracks, but they require more frequent maintenance as the RAIL S20 MATERIAL STRENGTH can pull them loose over time due to the constant vibration of ore cars.

 

Q: Can GNEE RAIL provide the fasteners based on my specific S20 rail drawing?

A: We specialize in supplying complete sets of fasteners tailored to your S20 rail drawing, including the exact clips, bolts, and baseplates required. Providing a complete system ensures that every component is dimensionally compatible with the 100.00 mm height and 82.00 mm base of your specific rail order.

 

Q: How does the 55Q material grade affect the choice of fasteners?

A: Because 55Q grade steel is harder and more rigid, it transmits more vibration to the foundation. We recommend using elastic fastening systems with 55Q rails to dampen these vibrations, protecting the 7.00 mm web from stress-related fatigue and ensuring the longevity of the entire industrial infrastructure.

 

GNEE RAIL provides DIN 5901 S20 rails, full-size crane rails (QU, A series), and international standards like ASCE and JIS directly from our manufacturing facility. We supply all matched S20 rail joint bars, high-tensile bolts, and rail clips to ensure your track system is fully compatible. Our CNC workshop handles precision cutting and custom drilling to your exact S20 rail drawing specifications. Send your technical requirements to GNEE RAIL now to receive a detailed quote and CAD support for your upcoming project.