Counterrail design with increased service life for advanced turnout switches

Introduction. Counterrail is one of the constructive elements of modern turnout switches, which requires increased service life. The impact of railway rolling stock wheels on the counterrails causes high bending stresses in the elements of attachment to the counterrail pads with stop blocks. The article is devoted to the currently ongoing design and development of counterrail support trig.Materials and methods. The strength calculations of the rail pads are based on mathematical modelling. Verification of models is carried out by direct dynamic-strength tests in the way of counterrail linings in the operated cross-link railway track. The durability of the rail pads was determined by fatigue calculations and direct observation of rail pads in the turnout switches.Results. The improved design of the support elements of the counterrail axles of the hinged linkage, such as rail pads with stop block was developed. The experimental samples of the backings are tested directly in combination with the turnout switches operating under increased loads of railway rolling stock. The test results showed good similarity of applied methods with the practice of operation and positive result of increase of service life of cross-link units.Discussion and conclusion. The developed construction of the counterrails fastening to the rail guard support is proposed for use in the design of new samples of switch products. The approach and methodology of development is practical to use in the construction of elements of new turnout switches.