Insulated rail joints: Improving performance at high maintenance track sections

Signalling systems are part of every modern rail network. These systems create a safe and efficient operation by employing the rail as an electrical conduit for train location. To accomplish this, insulated rail joints (IRJs) are used to create blocks or independent sections of track by electrical isolation. Shortened IRJ life often occurs due to the different static and dynamic behaviour of IRJs compared to continuous rail. Consequently, many problems with track deterioration and signalling malfunction are related to them. Martin Quirchmair (Getzner Werkstoffe), Erik Frohberg (BNSF Railway) and Harald Loy (Getzner) explain further…