Railway Product Specifications

The reliability and safety of any railway system depend on the quality and specifications of its components. From the steel rails that form the track to the smallest clips that hold them in place, every single railway product must meet stringent standards. Understanding the technical details of these components is crucial for engineers, maintenance crews, and procurement managers involved in the construction and upkeep of rail networks. This guide provides an in-depth look at Tee Rail specifications and the functions of essential rail clips, offering the detailed information needed to ensure track integrity and operational efficiency.

Tee Rail Railway Product Specifications

Tee rails are the most common type of rail used in modern railway construction. Their name comes from their T-shaped cross-section, which provides a durable and stable surface for train wheels. The design consists of a head, web, and foot, each with precise dimensions that determine the rail’s strength, weight, and suitability for different types of traffic.

There have been many manufacturers and specifications for Tee Rail over the years. The following chart details the critical dimensions for various Tee Rail sections, helping to identify the specific type of rail being used or required for a project. The data includes dimensions for height (HT), base width (BW), head width (HW), web thickness (W), and other key measurements, all in inches. These specifications, often governed by standards from organizations like the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), ensure that every railway product integrates seamlessly and safely into the larger track system.

Tee Rails Sections Data Table

Rail Clips

While rails form the foundation of the track, rail clips are the unsung heroes that ensure everything stays securely in place. These small but mighty fasteners are designed to attach the rail to the tie plate or sleeper, preventing lateral movement and maintaining the correct gauge. The clamping force exerted by the clips is essential for resisting the immense forces generated by passing trains, including vibration, thermal expansion, and contraction.

Properly specified and installed rail clips contribute significantly to track stability, reduce wear and tear on both the rails and the train wheels, and minimize maintenance needs. Different types of clips are designed for various applications, from standard Tee rails to heavy-duty crane rails. The choice of clip depends on factors such as the rail profile, expected load, and environmental conditions.

A Closer Look at Common Rail Clip Types

Several types of rail clips are available, each with a unique design to suit specific track requirements. Below, we explore four common models: the #62, #103, #106, and #114 rail clips. These clips are widely used to fasten Tee rails and crane rails to their underlying support structure.

#62 Rail Clip

The #62 Rail Clip is a robust fastening component often used in demanding environments where high clamping force is necessary. Its design is tailored for securing heavy rails, including crane rails, which are subjected to significant dynamic loads.

• Application: Primarily used for crane rails and heavier Tee rail sections. Its sturdy construction makes it suitable for industrial tracks, ports, and railyards where heavy, slow-moving traffic is common.
• Design: This clip features a distinct shape that allows it to be securely bolted to the girder or support structure. It provides both vertical and lateral restraint, ensuring the rail does not shift under load. The design focuses on durability and long-term performance, resisting the loosening effects of vibration.
• Installation: The #62 clip is typically installed with bolts that pass through the clip and into the steel tie plate or concrete plinth. The installation process requires precise torque settings to achieve the specified clamping force without over-stressing the components.

#103 Rail Clip

The #103 Rail Clip is a versatile and widely used fastener for standard Tee rail applications. It is valued for its simple design, ease of installation, and reliable performance in mainline, secondary, and industrial tracks.

• Application: Ideal for fastening the base of standard Tee rails to the support structure. It provides a secure connection that is crucial for maintaining track gauge and stability under normal freight and passenger train operations.
• Design: This clip is a compact, one-piece component designed to work in conjunction with a bolt and nut system. Its shape allows it to apply consistent pressure on the rail flange, holding it firmly against the tie plate. The simplicity of the #103 clip makes it a cost-effective and efficient railway product for large-scale track construction and maintenance projects.
• Installation: Installation is straightforward. The clip is placed over the rail flange and fastened with a bolt that secures it to the tie plate. Its ease of use allows for rapid installation and replacement, which is a significant advantage during track maintenance windows.

#106 Rail Clip

The #106 Rail Clip is designed for applications that require a higher degree of adjustability and clamping force than standard clips. It is often used in specialized track systems, including those with welded rail sections where thermal expansion and contraction must be carefully managed.

• Application: Suitable for both Tee rails and crane rails, particularly in locations with significant temperature fluctuations or where precise rail alignment is critical. Its design provides excellent resistance to longitudinal rail movement.
• Design: The #106 clip is often part of a more complex fastening system that may include a base plate and multiple bolts. Its design allows for some lateral adjustment during installation, enabling precise positioning of the rail. The clip exerts a high, sustained clamping force that helps to prevent rail creep and maintain the integrity of welded joints.
• Installation: Due to its more complex design, installation of the #106 clip may require more time and care compared to simpler clips. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that the correct clamping force and alignment are achieved.

#114 Rail Clip

The #114 Rail Clip is another popular choice for fastening standard Tee rails. Similar to the #103 clip, it is known for its efficiency and reliability, making it a staple in railway construction worldwide.

• Application: Used extensively for fastening Tee rails in a variety of settings, from transit systems to industrial spurs. It provides a secure and durable solution for holding the rail in place and maintaining track parameters.
• Design: The #114 clip features a compact and efficient design that allows it to be quickly installed. It is manufactured from high-strength steel to withstand the stresses of daily rail traffic. When tightened, it applies a consistent clamping force on the rail foot, preventing both lateral and vertical movement.
• Installation: The installation process for the #114 clip is simple and efficient. It is positioned over the rail flange and secured with a single bolt, much like the #103 clip. This simplicity makes it an economical and practical choice for maintenance crews who need to perform repairs or replacements quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are rail clips used for?

Rail clips are a critical railway product used to fasten rails to the underlying tie plates or sleepers. They provide the clamping force needed to hold the rail securely, preventing lateral movement, maintaining the correct track gauge, and ensuring overall track stability against forces from trains.

What is the most common rail section?

Tee rails are the most common sections used worldwide for standard railway tracks. Their T-shape provides an ideal balance of strength, stability, and durability for supporting heavy loads. Sections like the 115RE and 136RE are widely used on North American mainlines.

What are the standard rail sizes?

Rail sizes are typically designated by their weight in pounds per yard (or kilograms per meter). Common sizes in North America range from 115 lb/yd for mainline tracks to 136 lb/yd or more for heavy-haul freight lines, ensuring the rail can handle the expected traffic loads.

How are railroad rails attached?

Rails are attached to tie plates using a fastening system, which commonly includes rail clips and bolts or screw spikes. The clips are positioned over the rail’s foot and tightened to create a strong clamping force, securing the rail firmly to the track structure.

What holds railroad tracks together?

Railroad tracks are held together by a system of components. Rails are joined end-to-end by joint bars (fishplates) or by welding. The rails are then secured to sleepers (ties) with fastening systems that include tie plates, spikes, and rail clips to maintain gauge and stability.