necessary before the next routine maintenance period. How tight the bolts are to be drawn
initially should be within the range set--in excess of 10, 000 pounds per bolt is specified on some
roads.
c. Spiking. The next step is to spike the joint. Look again at the sketch of the angle bar
near the beginning of paragraph 3.25 and note the slots in the flange. Hook head spikes driven
through these slots fasten the rail joint to the ties. Sometimes the spikes are driven against the
bar ends. Spiking joints prevents the rail from creeping as trains pass along the rails. In those
places where ties are laid directly on stringers, such as on bridges or trestles with open floors, the
joints are not spiked. The rails must be left free to move on the ties.
3.29. MAINTENANCE
For a moment, let's pretend we're watching a slow-motion film in which the camera is
focused on a single wheel as it rolls along a rail. As the wheel passes over the next rail joint,
watch its action. Does it jump or change direction? Is there a noticeable bump or jar as it hits the
end of the next rail? Watch, too, for wear at the joints. Is that rail end badly worn? Are the joint
bars themselves badly worn? Now, turn off the projector and think about your observations. As
your thoughts jell, you begin to see the need for excellent rail-joint maintenance. In the next few
subparagraphs are discussed the overall need for maintaining rail joints in tiptop condition, the
defects that create the need for maintenance, and the methods used in maintaining rail joints.
a. Overall need. The joints are the weakest spots in the track; they demand the constant
attention of the rail maintenance crew; loose, low joints create a bumpy ride as well as noise;
joints require much expensive work to hold track surface. Some of these thoughts are brought
out in earlier paragraphs; others are mentioned here for the first time. But all of them point out
the overall need to keep rail joints up to par. Well-maintained track requires well-maintained
joints.
b. Defects. What can go wrong with a rail joint? Wear, cracks and breaks, and loose
track bolts are some of the things that can happen.
(1) Wear. When a train wheel passes over a joint, a severe blow is delivered to the
end of the next rail, causing the end to be battered--one of the more serious forms of wear to
which rails are subjected. Sections on which the ends have been hardened are
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