Elastic Rail Clip

Elastic Rail Clip

An elastic rail clip is a device used to secure rails to the underlying structure of a railway track. It is designed to allow the rails to expand and contract due to temperature changes and to absorb some of the lateral forces exerted on the rails by trains. Elastic rail clips are made from a variety of materials, including steel and rubber, and are typically installed at intervals along the length of the rail. They are an important component of a railway track, as they help to ensure the stability and safety of trains traveling on the track.

Elastic rail clips are usually installed in conjunction with other track components, such as baseplates and chairs, which help to distribute the load of the rail across the underlying structure.

The elastic rail clip itself is typically made up of two parts: a body, which is the main component that sits under the rail, and a saddle, which sits on top of the rail and holds it in place.

The body of the clip is usually made of steel or another high-strength material, and is designed to be flexible enough to allow the rail to expand and contract. The saddle is typically made of rubber or a similar material, and is designed to grip the rail and hold it in place without causing damage.

In addition to helping to secure the rails to the track, elastic rail clips also play a role in maintaining the proper spacing and alignment of the rails. This is important because if the rails are not properly aligned, it can cause problems with the operation of trains, such as derailments or damage to the rolling stock.

Elastic rail clips are therefore an important component of a railway track, and are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of trains.

There are several different types of elastic rail clips available, each of which is designed for use in specific types of railway track. One common type of elastic rail clip is the Pandrol clip, which is widely used in heavy rail systems around the world.

The Pandrol clip is made up of a steel body and a rubber saddle, and is designed to allow for a high degree of lateral movement of the rail. This makes it well-suited for use in tracks with a lot of thermal expansion and contraction, as it allows the rail to move freely without causing damage.

Another common type of elastic rail clip is the SKL clip, which is used in many light rail and tram systems. The SKL clip is similar to the Pandrol clip in that it consists of a steel body and a rubber saddle, but it is designed to allow for a smaller amount of lateral movement.

This makes it more suitable for use in tracks with less thermal expansion and contraction, such as those found in urban areas.

In addition to these two types of elastic rail clips, there are many other variations that are used in different types of railway track.

No matter which type of elastic rail clip is used, they all serve the same basic function: to secure the rail to the underlying structure of the track and allow it to expand and contract as needed.

Leave a Comment