METHODS FOR JOINING OF RAILS: SURVEY REPORT

The performance of track structures depends greatly on the integrity of the connections between rail sections. Because the majority of service and detected rail failures occur at joints, particularly conventional bolted joints, this survey was conducted to review existing practices, examine potential joining methods, and identify promising new methods and modifications of joining methods that can provide improved rail performance and lower fabrication cost. Methods for joining rails in the field as well as in plants by both metallurgical methods (welding and brazing processes) and nonmetallurgical methods (mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding) are reviewed. Joining procedures, inspection methods, laboratory and in-track performance, failure modes, adaptability to shop and field fabrication, personnel skills required, and costs are discussed. Joining methods that warrant additional development are identified and developmental efforts are outlined.

• Record URL:
  • https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/methods-joining-rails-survey-report
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Battelle Columbus Laboratories

  505 King Avenue
  Columbus, OH  United States  43201

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Department of Defense

  Defense Supply Agency
  Washington, DC  United States  20301
• Authors:
  • Hauser, D
• Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Pagination: 164 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adhesion; Adhesives; Bolted joints; Bolting; Bolts; Brazing; Butt welds; Development; Electric arc welding; Electron beam welding; Inspection; Joining; Jointed track; Joints; Lasers; Performance; Rail joints; Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Research; Surveys; Thermit welding; Train track dynamics; Welding; Welds
• Uncontrolled Terms: Research and development; Welded joints
• Old TRIS Terms: Bonded joints; Flash welding; Friction welding; Gas welding; Laser welding; Pressure welding; Rail welding; Track inspection; Track response investigations; Track structures
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167282
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-FRA-77-7 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DSA900-74-C-0616
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Nov 23 1978 12:00AM