Rail anchors made in one-piece construction from spring steel are designed to fasten the steel rail tight on the base of the rail to prevent the rail from longitudinal movements, i.e. the “ creeping” of the rail, caused by changing temperature, grades, traffic patterns, and braking action of trains.
Rail anchors are applied to the rail base directly and lodge up against the tie. Rail anchors provide a large bearing surface against rail base and railroad tie, preventing cutting and wear, and eventually to prolong the working life of the railroad ties. Anchors are made for a specific rail weight and base width, which can be classified into two types: the Drive-on rail anchors and Spring type rail anchor.
How to use the rail anchors? There are general rules on the application of rail anchors:
Usually, rail anchors are used in the following locations of rail ways.
When anchors are used, taking a 39 foot rail for example, 8 rail anchors is usually commended to be used, as shown in the following diagram. While the steep grades increased, the number of the anchors may be increased.
At open beck bridges. Anchors are used on track approaching open deck bridges, every third tie should be box-anchored for at least two rail lengths off each end of the bridge.
At rail crossings. As rail crossings where anchors are used, every third tie should be box anchored for at least two rail lengths in all directions from the crossing.
Rail turnouts. Anchors is optional used in turnouts. When anchors are used in the turnouts, it is helpful to correct the geometry problems.
1. Rail anchors are always used in steel rails such as 50kg, 85kg, UIC54, UIC60, 90/91lb, 115RE, 136RE, just to name a few. We can produce T or V-shaped rail anchors as well as other types according to clients’ requirements, by forging or casting.
Rail anchors specifications
Type |
Used in 50Kg, 85Kg,90/91LB, 115RE /136RE ,UIC54 & UIC60 rail, or other types upon customers’ drawings.
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Material | 60Si2MnA | 45# | QT500-7 |
Chemical composition(%) |
C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03
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C:0.42-0.50, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:0.17-0.37, Cr:≤0.25, P:≤0.035, S:≤0.035
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C:3.60-3.80, Mn:≤0.6, Si:2.50-2.90, P:≤0.08, S:≤0.025 |
Surface | plain (oiled),color painting, zinc painted or HDG | ||
Standard | AS1085.10-20002 , DIN, ISO-9001 |
2. Generally speaking, based on our former production experience, most common material for rail anchor production is 60Si2MnA, which is often used for rails such as 50kg, 70lb, 80lb, 90/91lb and so on.
Type | Material | Weight(g/pc) |
50Kg | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
70LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
85LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
90/91LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
3. Rail anchors for Russia market : high grade ductile iron castings
Russian rail anchor is often used in railways by casting, which is made from material of QT400-15. All related mechanical properties of it are strictly following with the standard of TOCT 7293-85.