SKL rail clips are specialized tension clamps designed to provide permanent elastic clamping for turnout parts on concrete bearers. These clips fasten to baseplates mounted on concrete sleepers using screws and plastic dowels, creating a durable and insulated connection. The SKL design is particularly effective for concrete railway infrastructure where traditional fastening methods may be less suitable.
Overview of Rail Fastening Systems
Rail fastening systems have evolved from simple wooden rails with pegs in 1515 to sophisticated modern systems using advanced materials and engineering. These systems secure rails to various types of sleepers, including wood, steel, and concrete, each requiring specific fastening approaches. Developing specialized clips like SKL fasteners represents ongoing innovation in railway infrastructure technology.
SKL clips excel in high-stress applications such as turnouts, where rails experience lateral forces and complex loading patterns. The combination of elastic clamping and secure baseplate mounting ensures long-term stability. SafeRack’s expertise in industrial safety extends to railcar loading facilities, providing comprehensive solutions including gangways, safety cages, and EPA-compliant spill containment systems.
Learn more: Core Components of a Rail Fastening System | Railroad Construction Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
SKL clips are specifically engineered to work with the rigid nature of concrete sleepers, providing necessary elasticity that concrete alone cannot offer. Their design incorporates features that prevent concrete degradation from repeated loading while maintaining electrical insulation between the rail and reinforced concrete.
At turnouts, rails experience complex lateral and vertical forces as trains change tracks. SKL clips provide superior resistance to these multi-directional forces while maintaining consistent clamping pressure, reducing maintenance needs in these high-wear areas where traditional clips might require frequent adjustment.
Retrofitting SKL clips to existing concrete sleepers is possible but requires careful assessment of sleeper condition and potentially drilling new mounting points. The existing baseplate configuration must be compatible, or new baseplates must be installed to accommodate the SKL system’s specific mounting requirements.
