Rail Stressing Gauge

((New Product Under Development)

Quick and simple method of strain measurement in rails

Download Brochure:

If a rail is to be pulled up by tensors and welded, placing the Vortok device close to the weld and another close to the anchor point will not only give an in-process check on the strain achieved by the tensors but will also indicate that the stress distribution has been achieved throughout the pulling length. An increase in length of 0,1mm would represent a stress free temperature after tensioning of 1˚C above the current rail temperature.

If a rail is to be cut, it may be of interest to learn what the tension was in the rail before cutting. By placing the Vortok device on the rail at the start of the operation, setting the zero and then cutting the rail a change in length of the rail can be measured. A decrease in length of 0.1mm would represent a stress free temperature prior to cutting of 1˚C above the current rail temperature.

This device could be carried by every welding team and be used as a double check before the welding operation is conducted. In this way errors in calculating the pull up gap can be identified before time and effort is wasted. The unit can be applied in parallel to the other operations at the weld so will not affect the time of the re-tensioning exercise. It will however spot mistakes before costly errors are made and give an extra level of confidence to the team and improve their productivity.

Installation

1. Place strain gauge behind 6th sleeper.

2. Attach the gauge by clamping it on neutral axis with bolts.

3. Zero the dial gauge pointer.

4. Ensure the peg is in the centre of the slot.

5. Start stressing or cutting the rail.