https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=6qXaDQe4ix8
Question:
what is rail joint and explain its parts?
Answer:
DEFINITION: A rail joint is a device that connects two
pieces of rail on a railroad track. This is typically a piece of
flat steel with two holes drilled at each end. The holes
correspond to ones that are drilled into the ends of the
rails and are bolted between the two rails to connect and
hold them together. The rail joint also provides room for
expansion when subjected to very high heat climates.
Railroad rails are made of high quality steel. Like all steel,
they will tend to expand or get longer when sitting in the
sun. If the growth for the entire line had to occur at the end
of the line of track, the track might need to extend
hundreds of feet or more. By placing a rail joint in the rail
at a certain interval, the track expansion is allowed to
occur at the joint and is not noticeable at the end of the
line of track.
Many times a rail joint will be installed near road
crossings. This allows repair crews to remove pieces of
track with ease. If not for the rail joint, the track would
require cutting and welding to be removed and replaced.
Often a rail joint is utilized near rail crossovers or switching
points as well. Repair crews can once again remove the
switch track with ease and replace it without closing the
line for an extended period.
Rail joint parts:
(1) Railway fish plate and fish bolt:
Railway fish plate, also called rail joint, splice bar or joint bar, is a
metal bar that is used to the connect end of two rails by fish bolts.
As the connection part between two rails, railway fish plate is
used in combination with the steel rail. According to the steel rail
standard, railway fish plate has three types:
Railway fish plate for light rail: 8kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg,
22kg, 24kg and 30kg
Railway fish plate for heavy rail: 38kg, 43kg, 50kg and 60kg
Railway fish plate for crane rail: QU70, QU80, QU100 and
QU120
According to the national standards, there are some typical rail
joints that are applied to different markets, including American
Australian, Canadian, DIN, BS, UIC, African standard, and so
on.
(2) Rail fastening system:
Rail fastening system, refers to a group of railway
fasteners that are used to fasten steel rail to railway
sleeper. Common components of rail fastening system
include rail clip, railroad spike, rail bolt, rail tie plate, rail
pad, washer, plastic dowel, rail insulator and rail shoulder,
etc.
The main function of rail fastening system is
preventing steel rail from lateral and horizontal movement.
Besides that, rail fastening system also can absorb and
transfer the pressure from locomotive to railway sleeper. In
a word, rail fastening system ensures the rail in gauge and
protects rail safety. Rail fastening system has a lot of types
that is composed of different fasteners. Typical rail
fastening system includes SKL, KPO, E-type, NABLA, and
etc.
(3) Railway switch:
Railway switch is a special component of railway track,
which is applied in the railway crossing. Railway switch
has another name-turnout. Railway switch is simply a rail
component for converting track. Railway switch increase
the traffic ability of railroad track, and it is important to
transport safety and efficiency.
All these railway track components work together, which
keep the railway safety and reliability. Besides, there are
many other railway track parts do the same thing like
them, such as rail anchor, rail clamp, etc. As a
professional rail components manufacturer, AGICO Rail
can custom any component parts of railway track with
national standards. Free sample and fast shipping are
available.
(4) Railway sleepers:
Railway sleepers also known as railroad tie, cross tie, is
laid perpendicular to steel rail. Railway sleeper can be
properly deformed to trimmer pressure when the train
passes through, after that, cover as much as possible. By
the raw materials, railway sleeper generally can be divided
into three types: wooden sleeper, steel sleeper and
concrete sleeper. The main function of railway sleeper as
follow:
Railway sleeper give firm and even support to rail.
Railway sleeper should have certain flexibility and
elasticity. Act as elastic medium between rail and
ballast.
Railway sleeper absorb the vibrations from locomotive
and transport the load from rail to ballast.
Railway sleeper align the rails and keep the right rail
gauge.
