Influence of malposition on the performance of elastic rail clip: Toe load, stress, and friction

Abstract

In ballastless railway track, the elastic rail clip (i.e., an e-clip) is applied to maintain the rail in proper positions by mean of a compressive toe load. If the e-clip moves from its initial installation; the toe load may deviate from its specification. In this study, the influences of e-clip’s malposition on the toe load, stress, and friction were numerically evaluated. The toe loads of inner and outer e-clips increased with the increase in malposition. However, the toe loads of inner e-clip were slightly higher than those of outer e-clip because of the geometries of base plate and cast shoulder. The maximum von Mises stresses and the maximum normal stresses were found at the inner curvature of e-clip’s rear arch. The friction forces on the contacts between heel of e-clip vs. cast shoulder and toe of e-clip vs. insulator were slightly influenced by the malposition. However, the influence of malposition on the friction force on the contact between leg of e-clip vs. slot of cast shoulder was more prominent. The findings can be used as a guideline for the installation and maintenance to ensure the structural safety of a ballastless railway track.