Research and Applications of Elastic Rail Braces in Railway Track Reinforcement.

Rail braces are important components for reinforcing tracks in railway curves and steep slope sections. Field surveys have identified several issues with existing rail brace structures, such as uneven local stiffness, poor adjustability, and multiple types. The uneven stiffness in existing structures causes some fasteners to fail in providing adequate lateral support, leading to significant impacts on tracks and resulting in poor track conditions. Furthermore, poor adjustability leads to gaps between the rail braces and the rail web, causing improper contact. Over time, this can damage both the sleepers and the rails, complicating track maintenance and operations. To meet the demands of heavy-load railways, mixed passenger-freight lines, and other railway applications, a series of elastic rail braces for 50 kg/ m, 60 kg/ m, and 75 kg/ m specialized rails were developed. These braces featured a one-piece design that ensured full contact between the rail braces and the web, increasing the contact area and improving lateral resistance. Elastic rubber or polyurethane materials were embedded (vulcanized) into the sides of the rail brace, preventing hard contact with the rail. The design allowed for slight displacement, maintaining elasticity and reducing the abrasion and damage caused by rail braces pressing against the web. A solid model of elastic rail brace was established using the finite element method to theoretically analyze its stress distribution and determine reasonable technical parameters. In addition, testing methods and technical requirements for assembling the elastic rail braces were developed. Indoor comparative tests were carried out under identical conditions with the type II elastic fastener used in China's railway. The results showed that all indicators met expectations, demonstrating the design's safety and reliability. To further validate its practical applications, field trials were conducted on a small-radius curved track with a radius of 400 m. Observation data indicated that the elastic rail brace effectively resisted the abnormal lateral load on the rails, with minimal track gauge variation rate. The design meets the required standards, ensuring safe train operations, and has significant potential for widespread applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]