WJ-8 Elastic Clip Fastening System For High-Speed Rail

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.

Composition of WJ-8 Fastening System

The WJ-8 fastening system consists of a screw spike, flat washer, clip, insulated gauge block, gauge plate, rail pad, baseplate, elastic baseplate pad, and embedded sleeve. Additionally, to accommodate rail height adjustment, it includes rail leveling shims and baseplate leveling pads.

Similar to the WJ-7 fastening system, the installation of WJ-8 follows a rigorous process, as any deviation in procedures may compromise track stability and high-speed railway operational safety.

WJ-8 Railway Fastening System Installation Steps:

(1) Installing the Baseplate Resilient Pad：Place the baseplate resilient pad at the center of the rail seat, ensuring the holes of the pad are precisely aligned with those of the embedded sleeve. Note: The textured side of the resilient pad must face downward.

(2) Placing the Baseplate: Position the baseplate on the elastic pad, ensuring the center of the baseplate's bolt holes aligns precisely with the center of the embedded sleeves. Pay attention to the orientation of the baseplate, maintaining consistent directional placement.

(3) Placing the Rail Pad：Position the rail pad at the center of the baseplate. The flange of the pad must hook onto the baseplate, and the pad should be contained within the four raised platforms of the baseplate.

(4) Placing the Gauge Plate: Position the gauge plate correctly, ensuring its arc-shaped boss is seated in the groove at the foot of the rail seating groove of the track slab. The inclined surface and the two front support points of the gauge plate must fit snugly against the shoulder and rail seating surface of the sleeper (track slab), respectively. If applied at the joint splice, use a joint gauge plate.

(5) Laying the Rail：Remove mud and debris from the upper and lower surfaces of the rail base. Position the rail at the center of the baseplate and on top of the rail pad. During rail laying, ensure that the fastening components are not impacted or damaged.

(6) Installing the Insulated Gauge Block:Position the insulated gauge block between the baseplate shoulder and the rail. The lugs on both sides of the gauge block must engage securely with the baseplate shoulder, while the block itself should fit snugly against both the top surface and side of the rail base. If the gauge block does not seat properly, do not use forceful impact to position it. For applications at rail joints, use a joint insulated gauge block.

(7) Positioning the Clip: Place the clip in position, ensuring its tail rests in the groove of the gauge plate and its front end is placed on the insulated gauge block. Slide the flat washer onto the screw spike, apply railway-specific protective grease to the threaded part (grease may also be pre-injected into the sleeve), then screw it into the embedded sleeve and tighten the clip.

(8) Tightening the Screw Spike:Hand-tighten the screw spike initially (avoid cross-threading) to ensure proper engagement between the spike threads and the sleeve threads. Then, use a torque-controlled wrench or tool to secure the clip to its designated position.