What is a rail fastener?

What is a rail fastener?

 

A rail fastener is a component (or set of components) used to secure steel rails to sleepers or ties, ensuring stability, maintaining gauge, and preventing movement. Often part of a fastening system (e.g., E-clips, SKL clips, Nabla, or KPO clamps), they absorb vibrations, manage thermal expansion, and are crucial for safety in heavy-duty or high-speed railways.

 

 

GNEE RAIL provides fastening solutions matched with rail sections such as UIC54, UIC60, DIN A65/A75/A100, QU70–QU120 crane rails, and AREMA profiles, offering coordinated supply of rails, fasteners, and system accessories.

 

Key Functions and Components

Rail fasteners, sometimes referred to as rail anchors, tie plates, chairs, or track fasteners, play several critical roles:

 

• Fixing & Stability: Securely fasten rails to concrete or wooden sleepers.

 

• Gauge Maintenance: Keep the distance between rails constant.

 

• Load Distribution: Distribute heavy train loads evenly, protecting the sleeper.

 

• Vibration Reduction: Provide elasticity to dampen noise and impact.

 

• Components: Typically include rail clips (e.g., E-clip), rail spikes (e.g., dog spikes, screw spikes), tie plates (or baseplates), rail pads, and insulators.

 

 

Type / Component	Description & Purpose
Rail Clips	Flexible, elastic fasteners (e.g., E-clip, Pandrol clip) that provide clamping force.
Rail Anchors	Applied to the base of the rail to prevent longitudinal movement (creep).
Rail Spikes	Fasteners for securing rails, particularly on wooden sleepers (e.g., dog spikes, screw spikes).
Tie Plates / Baseplates	Plates placed between the rail and sleeper to distribute load and provide a secure base.
Rail Insulators / Pads	Used to isolate the rail electrically (for signaling) and reduce vibration, often used with concrete sleepers.

 

What is the purpose of steel fixing?

 

Steel rail fixing (rail fastening systems) ensures railway safety and stability by securing rails to sleepers, maintaining proper gauge, and resisting vertical, lateral, and longitudinal movement caused by trains. These systems absorb vibration, provide electrical insulation, and maintain track continuity, preventing derailments and reducing infrastructure damage.

 

 

• Rail Clips/Clamps: (e.g., E-type, SKL-type) Secure the rail to sleepers or baseplates.

 

• Screw Spikes/Bolts: Fasten rail components together or to the sleeper.

 

• Tie Plates/Baseplates: Distribute load and maintain proper rail seating.

 

• Rail Pads: Provide elasticity to dampen vibration.

 

 

Item Name	Railway Pad
Application	UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs,BS100lbs, or as per sample/drawing requirement
Material	HDPE	EVA	Rubber
Technical	Density: 0.95-0.98g/cm3	Density:0.95-0.98gcm3	Hardness:75±5A
Parameter	Tensile strength: ≥19Mpa Elongation: >80% Melting point: 170-190°C Insulation resistance: ≥1×1010Ω Hardness:≥98A	Tensile strength:≥15Mpa Elongation: >500% Melting point: 170-190°C Insulation resistance:≥1×1010Ω Hardness: ≥90A	Hardness:75±5A Tensile strength: ≥12.5N/mm² Operating temperature:-25°C~100°C
Color	Dark Black

 

• Insulators: Maintain electrical insulation.

 

• Fish Bolts: Secure joint bars (fish plates) to connect rail ends.

 

Is rail fixing mandatory in railways?

 

Yes, rail fixing (fastening) is mandatory in railways to ensure safety, maintain track stability, and proper alignment. Fasteners secure rails to sleepers, preventing excessive deformation and reducing risks of derailment caused by temperature changes, vibration, and heavy loads. Proper fixing ensures stability and supports train speed, especially on high-speed lines.

 

 

• Safety Requirements: Rail fastening systems are critical for maintaining track gauge and withstanding heavy loads, making them a legal safety requirement.

 

• Types of Fasteners: Modern railways often use elastic rail clip fasteners, which are preferred for their durability and low maintenance needs compared to older, less robust options.

 

• Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspection and tightening of rail fasteners are essential to prevent rail failures, such as buckling or breakage, especially in changing weather conditions.

 

• Continuous Welded Rail (CWR): CWR technology relies heavily on secure fixing to manage internal stresses caused by temperature changes.

 

GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly. We also deal with Steel Rail, Sleeper, Auto Bolt and other customized parts.

 

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