railway spikes

Types of railway spikes

There are various types of railway spikes based on the type of rail and region. They include;

• Cut spikes

  Cut spikes are the oldest and most commonly used railroad spikes. They are rectangular metal pieces with pointed ends that are hammered into the wood ties to hold the rails in place. The spikes are cut on the sides to make them easy to insert into the wooden ties. Also, they have an L-like shape that provides a firm grip on the tie to prevent moving. Additionally, they have a flat head that is easy to nail down and a wide body that makes them strong enough to support heavy loads. However, cut spikes are only used on wooden ties and cannot be used on modern fastening systems.

• Dog spikes

  Dog spikes are a type of railroad spike used to secure rails to wooden ties. They have a unique design that makes them easy to install and provides a strong hold. Also, they have a pointed end that can be hammered onto the tie, a flat head that makes them easy to nail down, and a curved body that follows the tie's grain to provide a firm hold. In addition, dog spikes are available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different kinds of railroad tracks.

• Jumbo spikes

  Jumbo railroad spikes are larger and thicker than standard spikes. They are used in areas with heavy traffic or where the track experiences a lot of stress. Jumbo spikes provide extra holding power and help prevent the track from shifting or moving over time. Also, they are easy to install and provide a firm hold on the tie.

• Square head spikes

  Square head railroad spikes are similar to cut spikes, but they have a square head instead of a flat head. The square head makes them easier to install with a wrench, providing more leverage and making the spikes more secure. They are also more secure and are used where the track experiences a lot of stress.

• Spring steel spikes

  Spring steel railroad spikes are made of spring steel, which is more flexible and durable than regular steel. They are used in areas with extreme temperatures or where the track experiences a lot of stress. Spring steel spikes can expand and contract without breaking or bending and are, therefore, ideal for use in areas with heavy traffic.

Scenarios of Railway Spikes

Railroad spikes are important components that help keep the tracks in place. Here are some usage scenarios of railway spikes:

• New Track Construction

  Railway ties are fixed on fresh rail lines during the installation process to ensure that the trains can move safely on the tracks. The installation crew uses various kinds of spikes based on the track type. For instance, during the installation of the mainline rail, they will use heavy-duty spikes to ensure that the trains can move safely on the tracks.

• Track Expansion

  Railway systems often need to be expanded to meet the growing demand for mobility. Railway spikes are used to secure the newly laid sections to the existing ones. This ensures that the expanded sections are well supported and can withstand the heavy loads that pass on them. Spikes are an important part of making sure that the railway remains strong and stable during these times.

• Seasonal Maintenance

  During different seasons, temperature changes can cause the rail lines to expand or contract. These changes sometimes make the spikes loose. Therefore, railway workers inspect the spikes during spring and autumn to ensure they are in place. If the spikes are loose, they are replaced or hammered back into position. This ensures that the railway is safe for travel in all seasons.

• Repairing Damaged Lines

  Line repairs are done when a section of the track is damaged. This can be caused by derailment or other factors. Spikes are often replaced during these repairs since they may be damaged. Workers use new spikes to support the new sections and ensure the trains do not experience any problems when passing.

• High-Speed Rail Projects

  Spikes are used in high-speed rail projects to ensure that the trains can travel at high speeds. During these projects, special attention is given to the kind of spikes that are used. For instance, in the German ICE project, special spikes were used to reduce noise and vibration. These spikes ensure that the ride remains smooth and comfortable for the passengers.

How to Choose Railway Spikes

To choose the most appropriate railroad spike for a specific application, it is imperative to consider several essential factors that can impact the effectiveness and efficiency of the rail fastening system. Here are some key factors that should be taken into account:

• Type of Rail

  The kind of rail plays a key role in determining the appropriate spike to use. Different rail types, such as flat-bottomed and rounded-bottomed rails, require different spikes. For instance, flat-bottomed rails are commonly used in modern railway constructions and require a specific type of spike that properly fastens the rail to the sleeper. On the other hand, rounded-bottomed rails are often found on older railways and require a different kind of spike to ensure proper fastening.

• Wooden Sleepers

  If the railway uses wooden sleepers, then it's essential to use spikes that are specifically designed to work with them. Wooden sleepers have natural variations in density and durability, so railway spikes that are used on wooden sleepers need to be strong enough to withstand these variations and still hold the rail in place over time. Most times, these are tapered and have a sharp edge to help them drive into the wood easily.

• Concrete Sleepers

  On the flip side, concrete sleepers are more durable and long-lasting, but they require special railway spikes to anchor the rails. These spikes are usually more extensive and have specialized shapes to ensure a secure hold in the rigid concrete material. It's crucial to choose the right spike for concrete sleepers to prevent deterioration and ensure the railway's longevity.

• Environmental Conditions

  Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure can affect spike performance. In areas with extreme weather conditions, corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel or stainless steel may be necessary to ensure long-term durability. Additionally, regions with heavy rainfall or chemical exposure may require specially treated spikes to prevent deterioration.

• Load and Stress Factors

  Understanding the load and stress factors that the railway will experience is crucial in spike selection. High-traffic railways with heavy freight or passenger loads may require larger, sturdier spikes to withstand increased stress and prevent deformation or failure. Conversely, lighter-use railways may utilize smaller, less robust spikes without compromising safety or integrity.

Functions Features and Design of Railway Spikes

Railway spikes are fasteners that are essential for the rail industry. They come in different designs and serve specific functions and features according to their usage. Here are some of them:

• Flat Headed Railway Spikes

  These are some of the most popular spikes. They feature a flat head and are easy to drive into wood ties. They provide a strong holding force. They are primarily used in new railway constructions.

• Diamond-Shaped Railway Spikes

  These are not your average spikes. They feature a unique design that improves the lateral holding capacity of a rail. This reduces the chances of rail movement due to train traffic and other external forces. These spikes are essential during construction and maintenance to ensure that the track remains stable and safe.

• Round Head Railway Spikes

  These are some of the oldest railway spikes. They feature a rounded head that is less prone to weather damage. This makes these spikes ideal for regions with extreme weather conditions. They are also easy to install and remove, making them a popular choice for temporary tracks.

• Split-Head Railway Spikes

  These spikes are designed to accommodate expansion and contraction in the rail. This makes them ideal for regions with extreme temperatures. They provide a secure fastening that will not loosen over time. Split head spikes are also less prone to breakage, making them a reliable option for fastening rail lines.

• Shouldered Railway Spikes

  These types of spikes have a shoulder that helps to distribute the load more evenly, reducing the risk of damage to the tie and increasing the lifespan of the fastening. They are particularly useful in high-speed rail applications where the forces exerted on the spikes are greater.

• Spring Steel Railway Spikes

  These are made of high-quality steel. They are designed to withstand heavy loads and high stresses without breaking or deforming. These spikes are ideal for heavy-duty applications such as freight railroads.

• Elastic Railway Spikes

  These railway spikes are used in ballasted tracks. They have a unique design that allows them to flex and absorb shock. This reduces the transmission of vibrations to the surrounding area. These spikes are ideal for use in urban areas where noise pollution is a concern.

• Antique Railway Spikes

  These spikes are used for aesthetic purposes. They are used in old railway tracks that are still in use or in museums and historical sites. These spikes are made of wrought iron or early steel and provide a vintage look to railway tracks.

Q&A

Q1: What is the purpose of railway spikes?

A1: Railway spikes are used to fasten steel rails to wooden or concrete ties. They hold the rails in place so they don't shift or move, allowing trains to run safely and smoothly.

Q2: What are the different types of railway spikes?

A2: The most common types of railway spikes include flat-headed spikes, round-headed spikes, and screw spikes. Flat-headed spikes are the most common and feature a flat head that fits neatly against the rail. Round-headed spikes are used in specific track gauge conditions and have a round-shaped head. Screw spikes have a threaded shank and are used in situations where additional holding power is required.

Q3: What materials are railway spikes made of?

A3: Railway spikes are typically made of high-strength steel to ensure they can withstand the heavy loads and stresses of train traffic. Some spikes may be made from other materials, but steel is the most common due to its durability and strength.

Q4: How are railway spikes installed?

A4: Railway spikes are driven into place with a sledgehammer or pneumatic tool. Once in place, workers use special machinery to ensure that the spikes are driven in at the correct angle and depth, which helps to maintain the integrity of the track over time.

Q5: Are railway spikes removed easily?

A5: Removing railway spikes is not a simple task. While they can be removed using the right tools, railway workers must ensure that the track will not be disturbed during extraction. This process is crucial during track maintenance or replacement when the spikes need to be removed to replace or remove the rail.