Rail spike types and installation process knowledge
What are the main types of rail spikes?
Screw spikes are the most commonly used type in track systems, fixed by matching threads with embedded sleeves, with good fastening effect. Round head spikes have a simple structure and low cost, suitable for wooden sleeper tracks of conventional speed lines. Square head spikes have strong stability and are not easy to rotate, often used in scenarios with high requirements for fixing accuracy. Insulated spikes are made of insulating materials to avoid track circuit conduction, suitable for electrified lines. Anti-loose spikes have a built-in anti-loose structure, which can effectively prevent loosening caused by train vibration, suitable for high-speed and heavy-haul lines.
What are the common materials of rail spikes?
High-quality carbon structural steel is a common material for rail spikes, with good strength and toughness, and moderate processing cost. Alloy structural steel spikes have higher strength and excellent fatigue resistance, suitable for heavy-haul and high-speed railways. Cold heading steel is processed by cold heading technology, with dense material and stable mechanical properties, capable of withstanding repeated impacts. In some special scenarios, stainless steel is used, which has extremely strong corrosion resistance, suitable for humid and coastal environments. Insulated spikes mostly use engineering plastics such as PA66+30%GF, balancing insulation performance and mechanical strength.
What are the performance requirements of rail spikes?
The actual tensile strength of the rail spike should be ≥190kN to ensure it can withstand the tension required for track fixing without breaking. The elongation after fracture is ≥12%, with good plastic deformation capacity to avoid brittle fracture. The hardness should be controlled within ≤34HRC, ensuring both strength and ease of installation. The cold bending performance meets the standard, and the rust-proof treated rail spike should not have cracks after a 15° cold bending test. The thread part must have good wear resistance and fit accuracy, closely fitting with the sleeve or nut.
What are the key installation points of rail spikes?
Before installation, clean the debris and rust in the installation hole to ensure the rail spike can be installed smoothly and fit tightly. When installing screw spikes, the thread part must be coated with lubricating oil, or lubricating oil injected into the sleeve to reduce installation resistance. The rail spike must be installed vertically to avoid inclination, ensuring uniform force and stable fixing effect. The installation torque must meet the design requirements to avoid damage to the rail spike or sleeve due to excessive torque. After installation, check the exposed length and fastening status of the rail spike to ensure no loosening or skewing.
What are the key points for the maintenance of rail spikes?
Regularly check the fastening status of rail spikes, and tighten them in time if loose to avoid affecting track stability. Observe whether the rail spike is damaged by rust, cracks, etc., and replace the failed rail spike in time. For insulated rail spikes, regularly test the insulation performance to prevent track circuit failures caused by insulation failure. In humid, coastal and other corrosive environments, strengthen the rust prevention and maintenance of rail spikes to extend service life. Avoid using excessive external force during maintenance to prevent deformation of the rail spike or damage to the thread, ensuring subsequent fastening effect.