A train moving toward the foreground   A set of railroad tracks from above, up close
A rail fastening system is a means of fixing rails to railroad ties for the purposes of freight transport. Rail anchors, tie plates, chairs and track fasteners are terms used to refer to parts or the entirety of a rail fastening system. Over time, various types of fastening devices have been used. The best methods for maintaining transportation engineering, vibration isolation, vibration absorption and reducing bolt stretch are explained below.

Freight Transport Washers

Vibration, bolt stretch, and fatigue failure on heavy axle load/high traffic can lead to joint loosening and frequent maintenance. Solon’s washer products are proven to maintain bolt preload under severe conditions such as displacements of rail joints, frog crossings, and turnouts. Some of the transportation applications that our industrial strength washers assist in securing, include:
  • Railroad tracks
  • Tank cars
  • Railroad ties
  • Bogies
  • Coupling devices
  • Brake systems

Maintaining Bolt Preload for Proper Freight Transport

For a bolted joint to perform properly within the transportation engineering sector, the bolt must be stretched. As the bolt stretches it draws closer to the nut member thus compressing whatever is between these two components. This stretch in the bolt is referred to as the preload and the resulting compressive forces in-between are known as the clamp load. The more we can stretch the bolt the higher the resulting clamp load will be. This is important because the higher the clamp load, the better the joint can withstand the loads acting on it in-service.
 
However, there is a point where fasteners are no longer capable of stretching elastically and begin to permanently (or plastically) stretch, which ultimately leads to failure pf the bolted connection. The point where this transition occurs is referred to as the yield point.

Industrial Strength Washers for Reducing Bolt Stretch

Freight transport washers are commonly used to secure bolts to rails and railroad ties within the freight transport system. Bolts and high-load washers are used to control vibration isolation and maintain proper vibration absorption. The washer also plays a critical role in reducing bolt stretch past the yield point and for reducing overall structural vibration within the railway industry.

Washer Benefits for Transportation Engineering

Freight transport washers ensure the functionality of bolted joints, even at the highest levels of vibration caused by rail traffic. This often occurs in railway switches, which are highly complex structures that are often used for extended periods with minimal maintenance, while being exposed to the elements and other stresses. This type of proven reliability helps the railway industry avoid operational downtime.

Transport Industry Washers

Within the freight transport industry, large diameter washers are extremely important. With the help of a bolt, they can connect and secure rails to railroad ties. These vibration isolation and vibration absorption washers are critical when reducing structural vibration and reducing bolt stretch within the railway industry. They are also  important in preventing corrosion which can lead to deterioration of the rails.
 
For proper sizing and other specifications that will assist you in finding the correct industrial strength washer for your project needs, check out our flange washer and flat washer sizing guides.

Contact Solon Manufacturing for Freight Transport Washers Today

Contact us for more information regarding our large diameter washers for vibration isolation and vibration absorption.