Development of Non-loosening Rail Fastening System with Leaf Spring Clip Applicable to Existing PC Sleeper

Abstract

Rail fastening systems using bolts and leaf spring clips are widely used in Japan. This rail fastening system requires regular maintenance to prevent the bolts from loosening. To eliminate the need for retightening bolts, some railway companies are replacing rail fastening systems using leaf spring clips with boltless rail fastening systems using round bar clips. This replacement involves replacing the existing PC sleepers with another type of sleepers for round bar clips. Therefore, some railway companies find it difficult to introduce boltless rail fastening systems using round bar spring clips due to construction costs and labor. In response to this problem, we have developed non-loosening rail fastening systems using leaf spring clips that are compatible with existing PC sleepers.