Pandrol Announces New Common Interface System for Non-Ballasted Track

Pandrol announces it has launched a new Common Interface System that allows non-ballasted track to be changed to meet performance requirements.

Courtesy of Pandrol

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Pandrol announces it has launched a new Common Interface System that allows non-ballasted track to be changed to meet performance requirements.

In a news release, Pandrol announces it has launched a new Common Interface System that allows non-ballasted track to be changed to meet performance requirements “quickly and affordably.” According to Pandrol, the Common Interface System “provides a common connection point for a range of different screwed and non-screwed fastening assemblies.” When it is fitted to the concrete, the track can then be altered to “meet changing noise and vibration mitigation demands by simply swapping the fastening assembly, rather than having to modify or lift and rebuild the whole track.”

If there are vibration mitigation requirements, the Common Interface System can also be fitted with a fastening solution, “such as Pandrol’s Fastclip FCA, which provides system stiffness of 40kN/mm or more.” If requirements increase, then Pandrol’s DFC can be used, “which has a typical stiffness of 22.5kN/mm and provides greater protection against ground-borne vibration and secondary noise.” Further, Pandrol’s Vanguard fastening system can also be utilized as it provides a stiffness as low as 5kN/mm with “a high degree of vibration isolation.”

Pandrol reports that the system has all the advantages of a “double resilient baseplate system in terms of safety, reliability and durability.” Because the system was designed to be easy to install and maintain, “a wide range of vertical and lateral adjustments can be achieved.” In addition, the system has corrosion protection and full electrical insulation and is “available in low toe load and zero longitudinal restraint (ZLR) configurations that are suitable for bridge and viaduct applications.”

John Porrill, Pandrol’s Fastening Systems Technical Director, said: “Pandrol is delighted to build on its long tradition of innovation and excellence in fastening systems with the launch of the Common Interface System. At present, rail infrastructure owners have to modify or lift and rebuild non-ballasted track from scratch when performance requirements change. Now, for the first time, they will be able to simply replace the fastening system, resulting in huge financial savings and minimizing disruption to our rail network. The Common Interface System is a game-changer, set to futureproof non-ballasted track.”