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Rail Level Adjustment: The height adjustment pad in rail fasteners is primarily used to adjust the height of the rail relative to the sleeper or the track foundation. This is crucial in ensuring that the rails are at the correct elevation. In railway construction and maintenance, there may be variations in the elevation of the sleepers or the underlying support structure. The height adjustment pad can compensate for these differences, allowing for a smooth and even rail surface.
Alignment Maintenance: By adjusting the height, it also helps in maintaining the proper alignment of the rails. If one section of the rail is at a different height than adjacent sections, it can lead to issues such as poor train ride quality, increased wear on wheels and rails, and potential safety hazards. The height adjustment pad helps to correct any height discrepancies and keep the rails in proper alignment.
Structure and Design
Layered Structure: These pads often have a layered construction. They may consist of multiple materials or layers of the same material with different properties. For example, there could be a base layer that provides stability and load – bearing capacity, and an upper layer that offers the necessary adjustment flexibility.
Shape and Dimensions: The shape of the height adjustment pad is typically designed to fit within the rail – sleeper assembly. It is usually rectangular or square – shaped to match the footprint of the rail base or the area on the sleeper where it is placed. The thickness of the pad can vary depending on the adjustment range required. Some pads may have a thickness range of a few millimeters to several centimeters to accommodate different height adjustment needs.
Material Properties
Load – Bearing Capacity: The materials used in height adjustment pads must be able to bear the significant loads exerted by passing trains. High – strength polymers or composite materials are often used. These materials can withstand the heavy compressive forces without deforming plastically under normal operating conditions.
Resilience: Similar to other rail fastener components, the height adjustment pad should have some degree of resilience. It needs to be able to recover its shape after being subjected to the dynamic loads of train traffic. Elastic materials or those with elastic – like properties are preferred to ensure that the pad can perform its height adjustment function over time.
Durability: The pad must be durable in the railway environment. It should be resistant to wear, tear, and degradation due to factors such as weather conditions (temperature changes, moisture, sunlight), as well as the abrasive action of the rail and sleeper. Materials with good chemical resistance are also desirable to withstand exposure to oils, greases, and other substances present in the railway environment.
Installation and Adjustability
Installation Procedure: The installation of height adjustment pads is a precise process. They are placed between the rail and the sleeper during the initial construction or during maintenance operations. Installation may require specific tools to ensure proper alignment and positioning. The pad needs to be installed evenly to provide uniform height adjustment across the rail – sleeper interface.
Adjustability: These pads are designed to be adjustable within a certain range. Some height adjustment pads may have a screw – or wedge – based mechanism for fine – tuning the height. Others may be stackable, allowing for incremental height adjustments by adding or removing layers of the pad material.
