Properties of Rail Section used in India
In India, the rail section used for most railway tracks is a flat-bottomed rail with a width of 60 kg/m. The head of the rail is typically in the shape of an "I" and the base of the rail is in the shape of a "V." The rails are made of high-carbon steel and are heat-treated to increase their strength and durability. The rails are typically anchored to the sleepers (ties) using rail clips or Pandrol clips, which prevent the rails from moving laterally.
In addition to the standard 60 kg/m rail section, India also uses a few other rail sections for specific purposes. For example, heavier rail sections such as 90 kg/m and 115 kg/m are used for high-speed trains and heavy freight trains, respectively. Lighter rail sections, such as 52 kg/m, are used for light rail systems and suburban trains.
The Indian Railways also uses a few different types of rail fastening systems, depending on the type of track and the traffic it will carry. For example, the Elastic Rail Clip System (ERCS) is used on tracks that carry high-speed trains, while the Pandrol clip system is used on most other tracks.
The Indian Railways also follow the standard of Indian Standard Code for Steel For Rails, IS:2713-2008.
Overall, the rail section and fastening systems used in India are designed to handle the heavy traffic and diverse conditions of the country's railway network, and to provide a safe and reliable service for passengers and freight.
Another important aspect of the rail section used in India is the rail profile. The rail profile refers to the shape of the rail head and base, and it affects the wear and performance of the rail. The standard rail profile used in India is known as the "bull head" profile, which has a curved top surface and a flat bottom surface. This profile is suitable for use on most types of tracks, including those with heavy traffic and high speeds.
The Indian Railways also uses a few other types of rail profiles for specific purposes. For example, the "Vignoles" profile is used on some tracks with sharp curves, as it allows for a smoother ride and less wear on the rail. The "grooved rail" profile is used on tracks with high-speed trains, as it reduces the noise produced by the trains.
In addition to the rail section and profile, the Indian Railways also pay attention to the rail welding. They use thermite welding process which is the most common method of rail welding in India. This method involves heating the ends of two rails to a high temperature and then allowing them to cool together, forming a solid weld. This method is fast, efficient, and produces a strong and durable weld.
All in all, the rail section, fastening system, profile and rail welding used in India are designed to handle the heavy traffic and diverse conditions of the country's railway network, and to provide a safe and reliable service for passengers and freight.