When compared to most other trackwork components, direct fixation fasteners are relatively new products in transit applications at north american transit authorities. In the past, some difficulties have been experienced by procuring operators as well as fastener suppliers in specification compliance and effective part design. With theintroduction of newer, more technically advanced direct fixation fasteners at various authorities, a reevaluation of the older style ofspecifications and testing procedures is necessary to avoid past difficulties and provide a more effective qualified product to the authorities. Past procurement practices and proceedings in general are reviewed with suggestions for possible improvements to balance trackwork and the vibrational requirements in specifications for direct fixation fasteners. This paper appeared in transportation research record no. 1152, rail rapid transit and planning tools. For covering abstract see irrd no 818412.
Abstract