What is BS EN 13146‑7- Determination of clamping force and uplift stiffness about?
BS EN 13146 is a European standard that discusses railway applications and track test methods. The aim of the BS EN 13146 series is to increase operational efficiency and performance of track systems.
BS EN 13146‑7 is the seventh part of the multi-series of documents that is applicable to railway applications. BS EN 13146‑7 specifies the laboratory test procedure for determining the clamping force exerted by the fastening system on the foot of the rail by measuring the force to separate the rail foot from its immediate support.
BS EN 13146‑7 is applicable to systems with and without baseplates on all types of sleepers, bearers or elements of slab track.
Note: BS EN 13146‑7 is not applicable to fastening systems for embedded rail or other fastening systems that do not act on the foot of the rail.
Who is BS EN 13146‑7- Determination of clamping force and uplift stiffness for?
BS EN 13146‑7 on the determination of clamping force and uplift stiffness is relevant to:
- Designer and producers of rail fastening systems
- Railway management authorities 
- Infrastructure managers 
- Testing laboratories
- Inspection and testing department in railways  
- Train operator companies (TOCs)
Why should you use BS EN 13146‑7- Determination of clamping force and uplift stiffness?
The main function of rail fastening systems is to fix rails to railway sleeper or railroad ties. Fastening systems generally consist of rail anchors, rail tie plates, chairs, fasteners, spikes, screws, bolts, etc.
The clamping force for a complete rail fastening assembly is determined by measuring the force necessary to separate the rail from the surface on which it is supported.
By measuring the force required to detach the rail foot from its immediate support, BS EN 13146-7 is useful for assessing the clamping force applied by the fastening system on the rail foot.
Overall, adopting BS EN 13146‑7-compliant tests for fastening systems ensures operational safety of the railway and vehicle with enhanced track stability. Apart from reduced risk of derailment, high-performance fastening systems can absorb rail shock thus improving comfort level for passengers.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13146‑7:2019 supersedes BS EN 13146‑7:2012, which is withdrawn. BS EN 13146‑7:2019 has been editorially revised. Compared with EN 13146-7:2012, the following changes have been made:
- Update of the European foreword
- Adaptation of normative references
- Revised Clause 7 and added adjustments to the loading for systems with or without interlayers /intermediate plates
- Editorially revised
