The rail fastening system is an essential part of the railway track structure, composed of various rail fasteners (OTM materials). Its main function is to firmly secure the rail onto the sleeper or track slab to ensure track stability. Fastening systems can be classified into different types according to track design, application scenarios, and material, and they are equipped with different components. The most common railway fastening systems include the Elastic clip IV Fastening System, Elastic clip V Fastening System, WJ-7 Fixing System, and WJ-8 Fastening System.
The V-type clip fastening system is composed of a screw spike, flat washer, clip, rail gauge plate, rail pad, and embedded sleeve. Additionally, leveling plates are included to accommodate rail height adjustment requirements.
| High Speed Rail Fastening System | ||||||||
| High Speed WJ-7 Rail Fastening System | High Speed WJ-8 Rail Fastening System | High Speed Type V Fastening System | ||||||
| Item | Quantity | Material | Item | Quantity | Material | Item | Quantity | Material |
| Rail clip | 2 | 60Si2MnA | Rail clip | 2 | 60Si2MnA | Rail clip | 2 | 60Si2MnA |
| T-bolt nut washer | 2 | Q235A | Screw spike | 2 | 20MnTiB | Screw spike | 2 | 20MnTiB |
| Rail insulator | 2 | PA66 | Flat washer | 2 | Q235A | Flat washer | 2 | Q235A |
| Material | ||||||||
| Tie plate | 1 | QT450-10 | Rail insulator | 2 | PA66 | Space pieces | 2 | Q235A |
| Insulated buffer plate | 1 | Rubber | Guide plate | 2 | Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) | Gauge apron | 2 | Rubber |
| Rail pad | 1 | EVA, or rubber | Rail pad | 1 | EVA, or rubber | Rail pad | 1 | EVA, or rubber |
| Anchor bolt | 2 | Q235A | Tie plate | 1 | QT450-10 | Adjustable pad | 1 | PE |
| Spring washer | 2 | 60Si2Mn | Plastic dowel | 2 | HDPE, Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) | Plastic dowel | 2 | HDPE, Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) |
| Plain washer | 2 | QT450-10 | Rail adjustable pad | 2 | PE | |||
| Plastic dowel | 2 | HDPE, Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) | Tie Plate adjustable pad | 2 | PE | |||
Installation Steps
The installation of all high-speed fasteners follows a rigorous process, and the V-type clip fastener is no exception. Any deviation in the procedure may affect track stability and the safety of high-speed rail operations.
(1) Laying the Rail Pad: Precisely position the rail pad on the rail seat of the sleeper, ensuring the rib of the pad aligns with the groove on the seating surface. The pad must be centered and free from any misalignment or distortion.
(2) Laying the Rail: Using appropriate hoisting equipment, lift the rail and position it above the sleeper. Slowly lower the rail onto the rail pad according to the designed alignment and direction, taking care to avoid any severe impact between the rail and the sleeper or other components.
(3) Installing Gauge Plates: Install No. 4 and No. 6 gauge plates between the ears of the rail pad-No. 4 on the field side (outside) and No. 6 on the gauge side (inside) of the rail. If manufacturing tolerances in the rail, sleeper, or gauge plates result in excessive gaps or prevent proper installation, adjust or replace the components as necessary based on actual conditions.
(4) Installing the Clip: Position the clip in place, thread the flat washer onto the screw spike, then screw it into the sleeve and tighten the clip.
The criterion for proper clip installation is that the front jaw of its middle section must contact the rail, ensuring neither excessive tightness nor an excessive gap between this part and the rail during fastening.
GNEE RAIL supplies various railway fastening systems, including Type VI/Type VIII/WJ-12 systems for heavy-haul railways and Type I/II/III railway fixing systems for mixed passenger-freight lines. We also offer individual railway fasteners such as elastic clips, rail tie plates, rail pads, screw spikes, dog spikes, rail anchors, railway switch components, fish plates, bolts and nuts, and more. Contact GNEE for further product information.