On ballasted track, the fastener system is like the "guardian" of the track, and plays a key role in performance. Its primary task is to firmly fix the rails on the sleepers, provide stable buckling pressure through components such as spring bars, prevent the rails from lateral and longitudinal displacement under the train load, and ensure the geometric stability of the track. At the same time, during the operation of the train, the fastener system must have good elasticity to buffer the impact force between the wheels and the rails, reduce the damage of the train to the track structure, and extend the service life of components such as rails and sleepers. In addition, the fasteners of ballasted track must also have certain insulation properties to avoid electrical conduction between the rails and sleepers, and prevent stray currents from corroding track components and surrounding facilities.
For ballastless track, the performance requirements of the fastener system are more stringent. Since the ballastless track directly bears the huge load of high-speed trains, the fastener system must provide a higher and more stable buckling pressure to ensure a reliable connection between the rails and the track plate or track bed, and ensure the smoothness and stability of the track when the train is running at high speed. Its elastic performance must not only effectively absorb the vibration generated by train operation, but also accurately control the elastic deformation of the track to meet the high-speed train's requirements for high track smoothness. In terms of electrical insulation, the fasteners of ballastless track need to have stronger insulation performance to prevent interference with track circuit signals and ensure the accurate operation of the train operation control system. Moreover, the fastener system of ballastless track must also have good durability to adapt to its decades-long service life and reduce the frequency of maintenance.
