BS EN 15839:2012+A1:2015

What is BS EN 15839 - Testing of running safety of freight wagons about ?

BS EN 15839 is a European standard that discusses the testing of running safety under longitudinal compressive forces of freight wagons to ensure their safety. BS EN 15839 layouts the acceptance process to be followed by vehicles that are operated in trains capable of generating high longitudinal forces and that are susceptible, because of their design, to derailment because of being subjected to these forces. 

BS EN 15839 applies to the following types of freight wagons equipped with standard ends as defined in this EN:  

• Single wagons
• Permanently coupled units with side buffers and screw couplers between the vehicles
• Permanently coupled units with diagonal buffers with screw couplers between the vehicles
• Articulated units with three 2-axle bogies
• Low-floor wagons with eight or more axles (e.g., rolling road wagon)

Acceptance criteria and test conditions, as well as conditions for the dispensation from tests, are defined in BS EN 15839. 

BS EN 15839 applies principally to wagons that operate without restriction on standard gauge tracks in Europe (1 435 mm). 

Note 1: The following vehicles are not currently in the scope of BS EN 15839: 

• Wagons that are not subjected to extensive longitudinal compressive forces due to their operational environment (such as train composition, braking regime, track layout) 
• Wagons with automatic couplers 
• Wagons with 3-axle bogies 
• Permanently coupled units with a bar coupler between the vehicles 
• Articulated wagons with more than three 2-axle bogies 

Note 2: The influence on railway systems using other gauges is not sufficiently understood to extend the scope of BS EN 15839 to gauges other than standard. 

Who is BS EN 15839 - Testing of running safety of freight wagons for ?

BS EN 15839 on testing of running safety of freight wagons is useful for: 

• Freight wagons manufacturers
• Test centres
• Regulatory authorities

Why should you use BS EN 15839 - Testing of running safety of freight wagons ?

Due to the operating conditions of braking or propelling, high longitudinal compressive forces can occur between some coupled freight wagons. These forces can be safety-related especially in S-shaped curves with small radii under some conditions depending also on the design of the coupling. 

BS EN 15839 guideline assists you with an evaluation of the torsional coefficient of a car body, condition for dispensation from tests or calculations regarding the safety against derailment on twisted track, and proof of the endurable longitudinal compressive force by propelling tests for test for safety under longitudinal compressive forces and acceptance of running characteristics of freight wagons for railway vehicles. 

This supports you in standardizing the quality of freight wagons used in railways and in assessing the safety under longitudinal compressive forces and acceptance of running characteristics of freight wagons. 

With compliance and obedience to BS EN 15839, you can enhance the efficacy of freight wagons to manufacture a standardized product that is durable and of high quality.