What is the function of fastening?

Rail fasteners are mechanical retention systems designed to counteract uplift, lateral thrust, and longitudinal forces generated by dynamic wheel loads, thermal expansion, and braking actions, ensuring rails remain precisely positioned over long service periods. Without proper fasteners, track geometry cannot be reliably maintained.

 

 

GNEE RAIL supports international railway and industrial rail projects by supplying fastening systems aligned with multiple global rail standards and providing customization for special load and alignment requirements.

 

What is the function of fastening?

 

A rail fastening system is the set of components that connects the rail to the sleeper or supporting structure and controls how loads and movements are transferred from the rail into the track foundation. It is not a single part but an integrated assembly in which each element has a specific mechanical function, and all components must be correctly matched to the rail type, sleeper material, and service load.

 

 

At the core of the system is the elastic rail clip or clamp, which provides the main vertical clamping force, often called toe load. The clip presses the rail foot firmly onto the rail pad and baseplate, preventing rail uplift and limiting lateral movement, while its spring behavior allows controlled elastic deformation to absorb impact and vibration. This elastic characteristic is essential for fatigue resistance and long-term fastening stability under repeated wheel loads.

 

 

Model	Diameter	Weight	Material
Type III	Ø18	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E1609	Ø16	0.43 kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E1809	Ø20	0.61kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E1813	Ø18	0.62kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2001	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2007	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2009	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2039	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2055	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2056	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
E2063	Ø20	0.80kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR85 Rail Clip	Ø13	0.25kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR309A	Ø19	0.85kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR401	Ø20	0.97kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR415	Ø20	0.95kg/pc	60Si2MnA
PR601A	Ø20	1.03kg/pc	38Si7
SKL 1	Ø13	0.48kg/pc	60Si2CrA
SKL 3	Ø13	0.48kg/pc	60Si2CrA
SKL 12	Ø13	0.53kg/pc	38Si7
SKL 14	Ø13	0.53kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Special Rail Clip	Ø13	0.48kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Russia Rail Clip	Ø18	0.58kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Deenik Clip	Ø25	0.49-0.68kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Single Anti-	Ø20	0.25kg/pc	60Si2MnA
Theft

 

Beneath the rail foot sits the rail pad, typically made of rubber or composite elastomer. The rail pad cushions the rail seat, reduces contact stress between rail and sleeper or baseplate, attenuates vibration, and in many cases provides electrical insulation for signaling systems. By spreading loads over a wider area, the pad protects concrete sleepers from cracking and timber sleepers from crushing, significantly extending sleeper service life.

 

 

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

 

In many track structures, especially concrete sleeper and crane rail systems, a baseplate or ribbed plate is installed between the rail and the sleeper or foundation. The baseplate increases the bearing area, improves load distribution, and provides a precise interface for clip positioning and gauge control. In crane rails and heavy industrial tracks, baseplates are critical for resisting high lateral forces and preventing rail seat deformation.

 

 

Product Name	Type	Process	Material
Tie plate	Single Shoulder	Rolled,Forging,Casting	QT450-10,20#,35#,etc
	Double Shoulder
	Hook Twin Tie Plates
	Direct Fixation Tie Plates
Other kinds of baseplate are also available according to your drawings or samples!

 

To control rail position and gauge, the fastening system also includes insulators or guide plates. These components sit on the sides of the rail foot and work together with the clips to resist lateral movement and maintain correct gauge. They also electrically isolate the rail from metal baseplates or reinforcement, which is essential in electrified railway systems to prevent stray current corrosion.

 

All these components are anchored to the sleeper or foundation using anchors, bolts, or screw spikes, depending on the track structure. In concrete sleepers, cast-in shoulders or embedded anchors provide fixing points for clips. In timber sleepers, screw spikes or sleeper screws are used to fasten baseplates and guide plates. In slab track or crane rail systems, high-strength anchor bolts fix baseplates directly to concrete foundations.

 

 

In some fastening designs, especially jointed track and special trackwork, additional components such as rail anchors or anti-creep devices may be used to control longitudinal rail movement. These work together with the main fastening system to prevent rail creep caused by traction forces and thermal expansion.

 

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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