What is PD CEN/TR 17320 - Mechanical durability of rail fastening systems about?
PD CEN/TR 17320 details best industry practices for ensuring safety and performance of railway infrastructure.
PD CEN/TR 17320 presents the technical basis for the loading conditions (the load magnitude, the load angle and the position of load application) to be used when performing the repeated load tests. This basis consists of measurements made in track, theoretical analysis and experience.
Who is PD CEN/TR 17320 - Mechanical durability of rail fastening systems for?
PD CEN/TR 17320 on the mechanical durability of rail fastening systems is applicable to:
- Designer and manufacturers of rail fastening systems
- Product design engineers
- Railway management authorities 
- Infrastructure managers
- Inspection and testing department in railways  
- Train operator companies (TOCs) 
Why should you use PD CEN/TR 17320 - Mechanical durability of rail fastening systems?
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. It is the quality of fastening systems that impact the interaction of rail track and with the rolling stock, and imparts operational reliability of the former.
The users can utilise PD CEN/TR 17320 to establish the loading conditions for the technical justification that is used to execute repeated load tests.
PD CEN/TR 17320 provides a basis for calculating the loads that should be applied in the repeated load tests that are performed in laboratories in order to confirm the durability of rail fastening systems.
Performance is determined by the change in clamping force, longitudinal rail restraint, vertical stiffness and rail position, and visual inspection of the components during test.
Overall, compliance to the test parameters recommended by PD CEN/TR 17320 can help you evaluate the dynamic fatigue strength and holding forces that ensure operational safety of railway networks, while protecting the rail against tilting. If you are a manufacturer of fastening systems, PD CEN/TR 17320 can ensure your products are safe and reliable.
