BS EN 13481-4:2012

What is BS EN 13481-4 – steel sleeper fastening performance requirements about?   

Rail sleepers are held in place using fastening systems. BS EN 13481-4 is a European Standard that discusses railway application from a perspective of performance requirements for track fastening systems. 

BS EN 13481-4 is the fourth part of the multi-series that is applicable to fastening systems, in categories A-C and E as specified in BS EN 13481-1:2012, for use on rectilinear steel sleepers in ballasted tracks with maximum axle loads and minimum curve radii. 

The requirements apply to: 

• Fastening systems that act on the foot and/or web of the rail including direct fastening systems and indirect fastening systems 
• Fastening systems for the rail sections in BS EN 13674-1 (excluding 49E4) and BS EN 13674-4+A1 

Note: BS EN 13481-4 is not applicable to fastening systems for other rail sections, rigid fastening systems, or special fastening systems used at bolted joints or glued joints. 

Who is BS EN 13481-4 - steel sleeper fastening performance requirements for?  

BS EN 13481-4 on steel sleeper fastening performance requirements is useful for:  

• Owners and managers of the rail transport networks  
• Designers and manufacturers of rail fastening components  
• Train operating companies (TOCs)  
• Project managers  
• Product design engineers  
• Railway engineers     
• Quality control and testing authorities  
• Railway infrastructure regulatory bodies    
• Railway experts and advisors  
• Teams involved in documentation and reporting  

Why should you use BS EN 13481-4 - steel sleeper fastening performance requirements?   

Fastening systems generally consist of rail anchors, rail tie plates, chairs, fasteners, spikes, screws, bolts, etc. BS EN 13481-4 helps you to assess the suitability of fastening systems for use on railway tracks. 

BS EN 13481-4 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 13481-4 includes a requirement for longitudinal rail restraint to control rail creep and pull apart in the event of a broken rail. Measurement of torsional resistance is included for use in assessing the risk of track buckling.  

The laboratory test for the effect of repeated loading is specified to assess the potential long-term performance of the fastening in track. BS EN 13481-4 also provides you with a test for clamping force that is suitable for laboratory use. 

BS EN 13481-4 guidelines help you with type approval of a complete fastening assembly. With high-performance fastening systems, the ability to absorb rail shock can improve comfort levels for passengers and reduce travel fatigue. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 13481-4:2012 supersedes BS EN 13481-4:2002 which is withdrawn. BS EN 13481-2:2012 includes some editorial and technical changes with reference to EN 13481-2:2002. These include:  

• The ranges of test loads have been extended to cover the new categories of fastening systems (5.3, Table 2 and 5.4, Table 3) 
• Advice on attenuation of noise and vibration has been added (Annex B)