BS EN 13481-1:2012

What is BS EN 13481-1 - definitions of fastening systems for tracks about?   

Common terminology and definitions, go a long way in facilitating industry communication and information-sharing. This is especially relevant for technical terminology that has not been clearly defined. 

BS EN 13481 is a European Standard series that discusses railway applications from a perspective of performance requirements for track fastening systems. 

BS EN 13481-1 specifies the definitions of the terms used in the EN 13146 series and in the EN 13481 series. 

Who is BS EN 13481-1 - definitions of fastening systems for tracks for?  

BS EN 13481-1 on definitions of fastening systems for tracks is useful for:  

• Owners and managers of the rail transport networks  
• Train operating companies (TOCs)  
• Manufacturers and suppliers of rail fastening systems   
• Project managers  
• Product design engineers  
• Railway engineers     
• Quality control and testing authorities  
• Railway infrastructure regulatory bodies 
• Railway experts and advisors 
• Experts involved in writing standards and technical reports 
• Teams involved in documentation and reporting 

Why should you use BS EN 13481-1 - definitions of fastening systems for tracks?   

The rail fastening system is responsible for fixing the rail on the track slab. Fastening systems generally consist of rail anchors, rail tie plates, chairs, fasteners, spikes, screws, bolts, etc. 

BS EN 13481-1 helps you to assess the suitability of fastening systems for use on railway tracks. 

BS EN 13481-1 specifies fastening system categories based on the speed and axle load of trains on the tracks for which they are built, as well as the rail section utilized. 

BS EN 13481-1 guidelines contribute towards ensuring operational safety of rail track stability. With high-performance fastening systems, the ability to absorb rail shock can improve comfort levels for passengers. BS EN 13481-1 functions as your reference guide for the rest of the standards of the series so that passengers and commuters safely reach their destinations. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 13481-1:2012 supersedes BS EN 13481-1:2002 which is withdrawn. BS EN 13481-1:2012 includes some editorial and technical changes with reference to EN 13481-1:2002. These include: 

• A range of categories of fastening systems have been included in 3.1 
• The definition of embedded rail (3.12) has been extended 
• Definitions of low and high-frequency dynamic stiffness have been added (3.25)