Fastening of the Fishplate Connecting the Joints of the Track
*Some images are for illustration purposes only.
Railway tracks are the backbone of modern transportation, and their joints require precise and durable fastening to ensure safe train operations. A fishplate, made of steel plates fastened by joint bolts, connects the tracks and helps distribute the load during train passage.
However, common challenges like rail expansion due to seasonal changes and joint misalignments can compromise the stability and safety of these connections, making innovative solutions a necessity.
Overcoming Challenges in Track Joint Fastening
Railway tracks endure constant stress from both heavy trains and environmental conditions, leading to unique challenges:
- Impact Loads: When trains cross rail junctions, they generate perpendicular forces that can loosen or break bolts, risking track stability.
- Thermal Expansion: Summer heat causes rails to expand, necessitating elongated bolt holes to accommodate movement without compromising the connection.
- Joint Displacement: Misaligned rail joints result in high-impact loads, increasing stress on bolts and heightening the risk of failure.
Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining long-term track performance and safety.
How Hardlock Nuts Improve Track Fastening
The use of HARDLOCK Nut in fishplate fastening has proven to be a game-changer for railway track maintenance. This innovative solution offers multiple advantages:
- Enhanced Stability: HARDLOCK Nut effectively absorbs rail expansion and contraction, ensuring a secure fit even during extreme temperature changes.
- Durable Performance: HARDLOCK nut prevents bolt loosening under high-impact loads, reducing maintenance needs and the risk of breakage.
- Efficient Installation: The application process involves proper torque control, streamlining the installation while improving accuracy.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By shortening work time and reducing the need for frequent repairs, Hardlock Nuts lower the overall maintenance costs for railway infrastructure.
Benefits of Hardlock Nuts for Railway Tracks
The adoption of HARDLOCK Nut for fastening fishplates has transformed railway track management. By addressing the dual challenges of thermal expansion and high-impact loads, this solution ensures the safety, reliability, and longevity of track joints. Additionally, the efficient installation process reduces the burden on workers and minimizes downtime, making it a highly cost-effective choice for railway operations.