How Railroad Tie Plates Contribute to Railway Safety

We can’t imagine what our life will be without train, and it has become so popularized in the world, especially the appearance of high speed train brings much convenience to people’s life. With the development of railway technology, all types of rail fastening systems are invented to ensure the safety of railways and passengers. Rail tie plate is an important part in rail fastening system, and it plays an irreplaceable role in fastening the rail and sleepers.

Railroad tie plate, also called base plate or sole plate, is a kind of steel plate used between the rails and sleepers on rail tracks. Railroad plate is usually tapered on the sleepers by rail bolts or rail spikes through the holes in the plate. Generally tie plate is usually tapered at each end of rails to ensure the stability and hold the rail to correct gauge. The use of rail tie plates extends the service lifetime of rails and ensures the safety of passengers and railway workers. Whether on wooden sleepers or concrete sleepers, rail tie plates play an irreplaceable function in fastening the rails.

Types of Railroad Tie Plate

Single Shoulder Tie Plate

Single shoulder tie plate has only one raised edge, which is used to fit against one end of the rail. Single shoulder tie plate is usually in the rails which weight ranges from 56lb to100 lb.

Double Shoulder Tie Plate

Double shoulder tie plate has two raised edges and the sunken bed in the middle is used to match the rail. The rail must fit the plate properly between the two shoulders. This kind of tie plate is mainly applied for the rails larger than 100lb. There are different types of single shoulder tie plate, such as 2-hole, 4-hole, 5-hole, 6-holes or 8-hole all are available.

Hook Twin Tie Plate 

Hook twin tie plate is used in the turnout position behind the switch bottom. They are usually used in pairs to fasten the single tie, and it can also ensure the tie spacing. Among the varieties of hook twin tie plate, the 3/4’’ and 1’’ thick varieties are very popular in Northern America.

Detailed Functions of Railway Tie Plates

Fasten the Rails and Sleepers   

Tie plate is an irreplaceable component in fastening the rails and sleepers, and it provides a solid foundation of the rails and reduces the abrasion damage of the sleepers. With the help of rail spikes and other fastening components, rail tie plates can fix the rail tracks properly and prolong the service life of rails and sleepers.

Keep the Correct Rail Gauge

Consider of the force caused by the weight of passengers and the train, the rail may deviate from the original track slightly. It is tie plates together with sleepers fasten the rails tightly so that the trains can run safely on the tracks. It is also vital for the railway workers to inspect and repair the railroad regularly, especially for the replacement of rail spikes, tie plates or other fastening accessories after using for a period of time.

Distribute the Weight Forced on the Rail

Railroad tie plates can evenly distribute the weight of the train, cargo or passengers. The use of tie plates helps to reduce the friction between the rails and ties, and makes the sleepers last longer. With tie plates, the rails can bear the pressure evenly so that they can maintain a smoother surface.

Fasten the Rail Fastening System

With the application of high speed rails and the use of concrete sleepers, fastening system is more and more popularized. Railway tie plate provide a support for the whole fastening system, and it needs the assistance of rail spike, rail clip, or rail clamp to secure the rail to the tie. The spikes can fasten the tie plates and the sleepers tightly, and the spring clips can hold against the rails. Each parts of the rail fastening system perform well with their own functions.

Rail tie plates play an important role in securing the safety of railway and passengers. It has the function of supporting the rails and protecting the sleepers, in addition, with the help of rails spikes and rail clips, tie plates can fasten the trains and sleepers tightly. The application of tie plates and rail fastening systems reduce the risk of accident and improve the safety of the passengers and the cargo.