Functions of screw spikes in railway track

Railway screw spikes are important railway accessories used to fasten rails, sleepers, and rail fasteners together. They play a vital role in the railway system, ensuring the stability and safety of railway tracks, and are suitable for different types of track structures, including high-speed railways, heavy-haul railways, and ordinary railways. Railroad screw spikes are key parts to ensure safe railway operation and are suitable for use in various harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperature, cold, humidity, etc. As an important part of the railway system, the quality of railway screws is directly related to the safety and efficiency of railway transportation.

FUNCTIONS OF SCREW SPIKES IN RAILWAY TRACK

What is the function of screw spikes in railway tracks?

Railway screw spikes can not only firmly fix the rails and maintain the standard spacing of the rails, but also effectively resist earthquakes and impacts, prevent rail deformation, and improve the safety and stability of railway transportation. It is because of these functions that railroad screw spikes have become an indispensable and critical component in railway construction and maintenance.

Railway screw spikes play a key role in the installation and maintenance of railway tracks. Their main functions include:

Fixed rail
The most basic function of the railway screw spike is to fix the rail to the sleeper to ensure that the rail does not move or loosen when the train passes. Through the screw thread design, the screw spikes can be firmly embedded in the sleepers, providing a strong fixing force.

Maintain track spacing
Railway screw spikes help maintain the standard spacing (gauge) of the track by holding the rails in a predetermined position. This is one of the important factors to ensure smooth and safe operation of trains. Accurate track gauges can prevent trains from derailing and improve transportation safety.

Earthquake and impact resistance:
Railroad screw spikes have good seismic and impact resistance properties and can effectively absorb and disperse the vibration and impact forces generated when trains pass by. This reduces friction between sleepers and rails and extends the service life of railway facilities.

Prevent track deformation:
When trains run at high speed or are heavily loaded, the track may be affected by various stresses and external forces and deform. The strong holding feature of railroad screw spikes helps prevent the track from moving sideways or twisting, keeping the track straight and stable.

Facilitates track maintenance and replacement
The design of the railway screw spikes makes them easy to install and remove, making it easier for routine maintenance and replacement of the track. The thread design allows the spikes to be quickly loosened and retightened using special tools when they need to be replaced or adjusted, which improves repair efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.

Improve the safety of rail systems
Railway screw spikes greatly improve the overall safety of railway track systems by firmly securing rails and maintaining standard spacing on the track. Especially on tracks with high frequency and heavy load transportation, screw spikes can ensure the long-term stability and safety of the track.

Production requirement of railway screw spikes

Railway screw spikes have a threaded design that can provide stronger fixation and stability, especially suitable for concrete sleepers and heavy-haul railways. Different countries and regions have their standards and specifications. The following are some common requirements for railroad screw spikes:

Material requirements

Railway screw spikes are usually made of high-strength carbon steel or alloy steel. These materials have high strength, good toughness, and wear resistance, and can withstand huge pressure and vibration when trains pass by.

Commonly used materials: 45# steel, 50# steel, 60# steel and other alloy steels.
Hardness requirements: Heat-treated railroad screw spikes should meet the specified hardness standards, such as 200 to 260 HB (Brinnell hardness).

Dimensions and specifications

Standard railway screw spike sizes and specifications are based on track type and sleeper requirements. Generally, the diameter and length of the railroad screw spike are key parameters, and the design of the threaded part should ensure good embedding and fixation with the sleeper.

Diameter: Common diameters are 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, etc.
Length: The length of railroad screw spikes usually ranges from 120mm to 200mm, depending on the sleeper thickness and installation requirements.
Thread type: Railway screw spikes typically have thicker threads for enhanced retention and vibration resistance.

Surface treatment

To improve the anti-corrosion performance, railway screw spikes are usually surface treated, such as hot-dip galvanizing, electro-galvanizing, Dacromet coating, or other special coating treatments. These treatments can effectively prevent corrosion and aging of railway screw spikes in harsh environments.Commonly used surface treatments: hot-dip galvanizing, electro-galvanizing, Dacromet coating, etc.

railway screw spikes manufacturer

Standards and specifications

The design and manufacturing of railway standard railroad screw spikes must comply with corresponding national and international standards. These standards have clear requirements for the material, mechanical properties, dimensional tolerances, anti-corrosion treatment, etc. of railway screw spikes.

Chinese standards: TB/T 1495 (railway standards and specifications), GB/T 1346, etc.
American standards: ASTM A66, AREMA (American Railroad Engineering and Maintenance Association standards).
European standards: EN 13481, UIC 864-2, etc.

Why choose us?

Choosing railway screw spikes that meet the standards can not only ensure the safety and stability of the track but also extend the service life of the track system and reduce overall maintenance costs. AGICO provides a variety of railroad screw spike products that comply with international standards to meet the needs of different railway projects.

AGICO is committed to providing customers with high-quality railway screw products, using advanced production technology and strict quality control to ensure that every screw can meet customers' high standards. When you choose our railway screws, you choose safety, durability, and reliability!

AGICO product advantages

Safe and reliable: Our railway screws have excellent mechanical properties and durability, ensuring that the track system can maintain a high degree of safety and reliability in harsh environments.
Wide application: Suitable for various types of railway construction and maintenance, including high-speed railways, heavy-haul railways, subways light rails, etc., and widely used in domestic and foreign railway markets.
Easy to install and maintain: The design of railway screws makes it very convenient to install and remove, which greatly improves construction efficiency and also facilitates daily inspection and maintenance.

Application

Standard railway screw spikes are widely used in various types of railway track systems, including high-speed railways, heavy-haul railways, urban rail transit (such as subways, and light rail), etc. Its high strength and durability make it an indispensable and critical component in modern railway infrastructure.

railway screw spikes

FAQ about Railway Screw Spike

What is a railway screw spike?

A railway screw spike is a type of fastener used in railway construction to fix steel rails to railway sleepers (also known as ties). Unlike traditional spikes, railroad screw spikes have a threaded design, which provides a more secure and durable fastening by embedding into the sleeper material (typically wood or concrete). They are designed to withstand the dynamic loads and vibrations caused by passing trains.

What materials are railway screw spikes made from?

Railway screw spikes are typically made from high-quality carbon steel or alloy steel to ensure durability and strength. The materials are often heat-treated to enhance hardness and toughness. In addition, to protect against corrosion, screw spikes may undergo surface treatments such as hot-dip galvanizing, electroplating, or dacromet coating.

What are the advantages of using screw spikes over traditional rail spikes?

Increased Holding Power: The threaded design provides a stronger grip and resistance to loosening, especially in high-vibration environments.
Durability: Railway screw spikes are less likely to work loose over time compared to traditional spikes, reducing maintenance needs.
Resistance to Corrosion: Many railway screw spikes are coated with anti-corrosion materials, which extends their lifespan in harsh environmental conditions.
Flexibility: Suitable for use with both wooden and concrete sleepers, making them versatile for various types of railway tracks.

How are railway screw spikes installed?

Railway screw spikes are typically installed using specialized tools such as hydraulic wrenches or impact wrenches designed for railway applications. The railroad screw spikes are driven into pre-drilled holes in the sleepers, ensuring a tight and secure fit. For manual installations, a spiking hammer or a wrench can be used, though this method is less common for large-scale installations.

What standards govern the manufacturing and use of railway screw spikes?

Railway screw spikes are manufactured according to various international standards to ensure quality and compatibility. Some of the key standards include:

AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) for North America.
EN 13481 and UIC 864-2 for European railways.
GB/T standards for Chinese railways.
Other local standards may apply depending on the country and specific railway requirements.

Can railway screw spikes be reused?

In general, railway screw spikes can be reused if they are still in good condition and meet the required specifications. However, factors such as wear, corrosion, or damage may necessitate replacement to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is essential to inspect screw spikes regularly and follow the guidelines provided by railway maintenance authorities.

What is the typical lifespan of a railway screw spike?

The lifespan of a railway screw spike depends on several factors, including material quality, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. Typically, screw spikes made from high-quality materials and properly maintained can last for several decades. However, exposure to harsh weather conditions or heavy loads may reduce their lifespan.

Are there specific screw spikes for different types of railway sleepers?

Yes, railway screw spikes are designed to be compatible with different types of railway sleepers, such as wooden, concrete, or plastic composite sleepers. The size, thread design, and head type may vary to suit the specific requirements of the sleeper material and the railway track configuration.

How do railway screw spikes contribute to rail safety?

Railway screw spikes play a crucial role in rail safety by securely fastening the rails to the sleepers, maintaining the track gauge, and ensuring the stability of the railway track. This reduces the risk of rail movement, misalignment, or loosening, which can lead to derailments or other accidents. Proper installation and regular maintenance of screw spikes are essential for safe and efficient railway operations.

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