Rails
Steel rails are long, horizontal bars made from steel that serve as the fundamental component of railway tracks, providing support to train wheels.
Types of Steel Rails
- Heavy Rails: These are used in mainline railway tracks for freight and passenger trains. Heavy rails are designed to withstand high loads and frequent traffic.
- Light Rails: Found in tramways, urban transit systems, and light rail networks, light rails are smaller and lighter than heavy rails. They are typically used in lower-traffic areas or for smaller vehicles.
- Crane Rails: Utilized in industrial settings for overhead cranes and gantry cranes, crane rails provide a track for the movement of heavy loads within factories, warehouses, and ports.
Steel rails come in various profiles and specifications, based on their rail weight, section dimensions, and material grades. These specifications vary according to the intended application and the requirements of the railway system.
Steel rails are usually manufactured from high-quality steel, often alloyed with elements like carbon, manganese, silicon, and sometimes chromium or nickel, to enhance strength, durability, and wear resistance.
Steel rails are placed on the rail sleepers or ties, which are located in a stable and level trackbed. Clip, bolt or spikes are used to secure the rails on the sleepers. In order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of railway operations, it is essential that the steel rails are regularly maintained for effectiveness and safety. Activities such as track inspections, rail grinding, lubrication and replacement of broken or torn rails shall be included in this category.
Rail manufacturers adhere to strict quality control measures to ensure that steel rails meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. This may include testing for strength, hardness, chemical composition, and dimensional accuracy.
Steel rails, in short offer vital support and direction for trains, cranes, and other heavy machinery, are an integral part of the industrial and transportation infrastructure. They are essential for safe and effective operations in a variety of sectors due to their robustness, dependability, and durability.
