EN 13146 Railway Applications - Test Methods for Rail and Fastening Systems

The European standard “EN 13146 Railway applications - Test methods for rail and coupling systems” consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:

• The standard “EN 13146-1 Part 1: Determination of longitudinal rail connection” describes a laboratory test procedure for determining the following:
• The maximum longitudinal force that can be applied to a rail fixed to a sleeper, carrier or track element by a rail coupling assembly, or the longitudinal rigidity of an embedded rail specimen with an adhesive coupling system at a given longitudinal displacement, and for all types of connections, before inelastic displacement of the rail occurs.
• Shear displacement and shear data required for rail-bridge interaction calculations.

For rail-holding systems that mechanically (at intervals or continuously) secure the rail, the test procedure measures the longitudinal gripping force of the rail. For recessed rails fixed with adhesive, the test procedure measures the longitudinal rigidity.

In principle, a longitudinal load is applied to a sleeper, carrier, or track element by pulling a rail fixed to it with one or two rail fixing devices or an embedded rail fixing system, while the support remains stationary. The movement of the rail relative to the support is recorded, and the load is removed when the rail slips or the specified longitudinal displacement occurs. Longitudinal rail fixation or longitudinal rigidity is obtained from the load-displacement graph.

• The standard “EN 13146-2 Part 2: Determination of torsional resistance” describes a laboratory test procedure for determining the moment required to rotate a rail, fixed to sleepers by a rail coupling, by 1 degree in a plane parallel to the base of the rail. The obtained value can be used in rail stability calculations. This test is not applicable to embedded rails. This test procedure applies to a complete coupling assembly.

In principle, a transverse load is applied to the foot of a rail fixed to a single sleeper bearing, while the sleeper remains fixed. The movement of the rail relative to the sleeper is recorded, and the load is increased until the rail rotates by at least 1,5 degrees. Then, the moment causing a 1-degree displacement is determined from the load-moment-displacement graph.

• The standard “EN 13146-3 Part 3: Determination of attenuation of impact loads” describes laboratory test procedures for applying impact to a rail fixed to a concrete sleeper or carrier, simulating impact loads caused by traffic on railway lines and measuring the stress on the sleeper. These procedures are used to compare the attenuation of impact loads on concrete sleepers or carriers by different rail pads. A reference procedure and an alternative procedure are included. This test is only applicable to ballasted lines. These test procedures are applicable to a complete coupling system.

In principle, an impact load is applied by dropping a mass onto the end of a rail fixed on a concrete sleeper. The effect of the impact is measured as stress in the concrete sleeper. The impact damping of a coupling system is evaluated by comparing the stresses generated by a low-damping reference rail pad and a test pad in the coupling system.

With a reference pad in the system, the stress generated by the impact load should not exceed 80% of the sleeper's moment of resistance to rail settlement. The falling mass, fall height, and the flexibility of the impact cap are adjusted to ensure that the stress limit is not exceeded. The process is repeated with a test pad without any subsequent changes to the falling mass, fall height, or impact cap. The test result is not highly sensitive to the test load.

• The standard “EN 13146-4 Part 4: Effect of repeated loading” describes a laboratory test procedure for applying repeated displacement cycles representing displacements caused by traffic on railway tracks. This method is used to evaluate the long-term performance of coupling systems. This procedure applies to surface-mounted rails and embedded rails on sleepers, carriers, and track surfaces. This test procedure is applicable to a complete coupling assembly.

In principle, a single actuator applies a cyclical force of constant amplitude at a predetermined load line and position on the rail head. The load, position, and application line to be used are determined according to the vertical rigidity of the coupling, the axle loads, and the curvature conditions of the rail on which the coupling is tested. Performance is determined by changes in compression force, longitudinal rail constraint, vertical rigidity, and rail position, as well as by visual inspection of the components during testing.

• The standard “EN 13146-5 Part 5: Determination of electrical resistance” describes a laboratory test procedure for determining the electrical resistance between rails provided by a coupling system attached to a steel or concrete sleeper, carrier, or track element under wet conditions. This procedure is also applicable to embedded rails. This test procedure is applicable to a complete coupling assembly. It is applicable to signal currents, but not to traction currents. A reference procedure and an alternative procedure are also included.

In principle, the electrical resistance between two short rail segments fixed to a support is measured while water is sprayed onto all support and connecting elements at a controlled rate.

• The standard “EN 13146-6 Part 6: Effect of severe environmental conditions” describes a laboratory test procedure to determine the effect of exposure of a coupling system to severe environmental conditions. This test procedure applies to complete coupling assemblies, including embedded rails with mechanical coupling elements. It does not apply to embedded rail systems that rely on adhesive components to secure the rail.

In principle, the entire fastening system is subjected to salt spray, and the effect on the ease of disassembly and reassembly, as well as the condition of the individual components, is recorded.

• The standard “EN 13146-7 Part 7: Determination of compressive force and lifting rigidity” describes a laboratory test procedure for determining the compressive force applied to a rail foot by measuring the force required to separate the rail foot from its direct support. Where necessary, this procedure is also used to determine the lifting rigidity of the coupling system. This procedure applies to all types of sleeper, carrier, or track elements, for systems with and without base plates. The test does not determine the safety of coupling components fixed to the sleeper or other coupling system support. This test procedure applies to a complete coupling assembly. It is not applicable to coupling systems for embedded rails or other coupling systems that do not act on the rail foot.

In principle, the clamping force for a complete rail coupling system is determined by measuring the force required to separate the rail from the surface it is supported on.

• The standard “EN 13146-8 Part 8: In-service tests” describes a procedure for comparative testing of connection systems on rails. The test procedure applies to connection systems that, in all other respects, comply with EN 13481-2, EN 13481-3, EN 13481-4, EN 13481-5 and EN 13481-7 standards. This test applies to complete connection assemblies. It is only used in comparative testing of such connection systems mounted simultaneously and with the intended support type.

In principle, the coupling system to be tested is mounted on sleepers, carriers, or track rails of the same material and design as the reference coupling system, simultaneously with the reference coupling system. The arrangement on the rails is such that the test and reference coupling systems are on rails with similar geometries and service conditions.

• The standard “EN 13146-9 Part 9: Determination of rigidity” describes laboratory test procedures for determining the static and dynamic rigidity of rail pads, base plate pads, and complete rail attachment assemblies.
• The standard “EN 13146-10 Part 10: Load test for tensile strength” describes a test procedure to verify that the force required to pull the anchor of a rail coupling from the sleeper or other support element is greater than a predetermined value (i.e., this is a load-bearing test). This test is applicable to the following coupling system components:
• Poured into concrete during the manufacture of sleepers or other support elements.
• Applied to holes in concrete, whether poured or drilled.
• Screwed or otherwise attached to wooden, plastic, or steel sleepers or other support elements.

This test is not applicable to embedded rails.

In principle, a vertical upward force is applied to the anchored connection element just above the point where it is cast, glued, or screwed. The load is increased until the intended bearing capacity is reached. There should be no signs of damage that could reduce the strength or durability of the connection system. For general applications, bearing capacity values ​​are given in EN 13481-2 (for concrete sleepers) and EN 13481-5 (for plate rails).

In conclusion, EN 13146 standards are considered important for the following reasons:

• Railway safety
• Standardized performance evaluation
• Legal regulations and contract compliance
• Increased durability and reduced lifecycle costs.
• Support for innovation
• Interoperability on European railway networks

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN 13146 Railway applications - Test methods for rail and coupling systems" standard.