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The elastic rail spike—also widely referred to in the permanent way industry as the elastic spike, railway spring spike, or lock spike—is a high-strength, resilient steel fastener engineered for direct compatibility with Pandrol rail fastening systems and traditional timber track structures.
Unlike standard rigid cut spikes, the elastic rail spike features an engineered spring arch (such as a single or double shank loop). This design maintains a constant downward clamping force (toe load) on the rail foot, effectively absorbing dynamic track vibrations, reducing timber tie wear, and eliminating rail creep across conventional mainlines, heavy-haul freight networks, and industrial turnouts.
Pandrol Compatibility & Track Assembly Breakdown
To deliver maximum track safety, secure gauge containment, and electrical isolation, the elastic rail spike interfaces seamlessly with traditional track components and classic Pandrol infrastructure:
1. Wooden Sleepers (Timber Ties)
The elastic spike is primarily optimized for wooden sleepers (such as oak, pine, or treated hardwood). Its resilient spring grip absorbs high-frequency vibrations that would otherwise loosen standard cut spikes, vastly extending the lifespan of timber track infrastructure.
2. Baseplates & Pandrol Tie Plates
It pairs perfectly with Pandrol cast iron tie plates and ribbed baseplates. The spikes are driven straight through the baseplate anchoring holes, gripping the plate tightly to the timber sleeper while the spring head arches over to secure the rail foot or a Pandrol brand casting.
3. Pandrol Clip Integration
In hybrid track configurations, elastic spikes are heavily relied upon to securely anchor Pandrol baseplates to the sleepers, while iconic Pandrol PR series clips, Pandrol E-Clips (e.g., E1809, E2009), or Fastclip systems handle the direct, heavy-duty elastic clamping of the steel rail.
4. Rail Profiles & Tie Pads
The flexible geometry of elastic rail spikes allows them to accommodate a comprehensive layout of global rail profiles, specifically standard UIC54, UIC60, 90lb, 115RE, and 136RE rails. It frequently works alongside resilient tie pads to maximize damping.
Technical Specifications of Elastic Rail Spikes
Every premium elastic spike must be manufactured to stringent international railroad standards (such as DIN17221, EN10089, or GB/T1222) to resist structural fatigue and prevent premature plastic deformation under high axle loads:
Primary Advantages Over Traditional Cut Spikes
· Elimination of Rail Creep: Continuous downward pre-tension force keeps the rail tightly secured to the plate, removing the need for separate rail anchors.
· Reduced Sleeper Damage: Standard spikes loosen and rattle, creating "spike killed" ties. Elastic spikes remain firmly wedged, protecting the wood fibers from internal friction.
· Exceptional Roll Resistance: The dual-shank or heavy loop design prevents the rail from tilting or rolling outward along tight, high-stress track curves.
Sourcing Pandrol-Compatible Elastic Spikes in China
Mainline freight tracks and heritage railway networks require durable fasteners that undergo meticulous metallurgical trace-testing to prevent catastrophic in-track breakage.
As a prominent railway track material factory, Signum Rail Fasteners China manufactures premium elastic rail spikes that offer 100% geometric and operational compatibility with Pandrol system layouts and standard international timber tie specifications. We support custom OEM configurations based on client blueprints—including specialized single-shank, double-shank, and lock spike profiles—and provide elite anti-corrosion protective coatings, such as plain oiled, black oxide, zinc plating, or multi-layer zinc flake Dacromet coating.
Contact Signum Rail Fasteners China today to receive an immediate technical consultation, verified drawing blueprints, or a competitive factory-direct price quote for your next tracking project!
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