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SEJ(LAYING,
MAINTENANCE &
INSPECTION.)
BY:- Harpal Singh (SSE/PWAY/RPJ)
INTRODUCTION
On Indian Railways IRS design switch expansion joints were laid on both
ends of LWR in lieu of Buffer rails. These SEJs are failing frequently as there
were many cases of fracture of Stock rail/Tongue rail which is affecting
Safety of running trains
DRAW BACK OF
CONVENTIONAL SEJ
Stock rail fracture takes place at its reduction of section and due to involvement of bend.
Stock rail give up at about 20 40 mm away from the point of section reduction (throat) and 700
mm from its tail end which is left unsecured against longitudinal movement. The broken piece
keeps moving away by hammering of playing wheels and discontinuity with wider gap in track
especially in winter.
Hammering and breakage of bearing plates.
Chipping on throat of Stock rail & Tongue rail.
Level difference at throat of Tongue rail & Stock rail.
Spacing of sleepers at mid of SEJ 700 mm.
In case of fracture it is very difficult to carry out emergency repair.
Not suitable to for laying on curves sharper than 0.5 deg.
Rivets of MS flat which was provided to Stock rail are loosened and unusual sound heard while
running of trains.
CONVENTIONAL SEJ
REQUIREMENTS OF IDEAL
SEJ
To avoid bends in design of the Stock rail and Tongue rail.
To avoid any fractures in the bent portion of Stock rail & Tongue rail.
Suitable to lay on curves sharper than 0.5 deg. and up to 4.0 deg.
Suitability to higher axle loads.
Suitability for higher speeds.
In case of fracture part of Stock rail piece shall not move from its original
ADVANTAGES OF
IMPROVED
SEJ
Advantages of SEJ with one
gap :
rail.
Only 5 sleepers of standard
max. gap.
type of SEJ.
It is suitable to be laid in curves in steps of
staff.
Features
Normal SEJ
Modified SEJ
Merits
Bend in rails
1 in 8
No bend
No breakage
Sleeper spacing at
increases stability
Mid of SEJ
700 mm
600 mm
Designed for
80 mm/120 mm
180 mm
Head thickness of
Tongue rail
25.5 mm
42 mm
Increase life
Head thickness of
Stock rail
72 mm
86 mm
Unsecured
Secured
Safety ensured
Limited up to 0.5
deg.
Provision of 1 in 20 can`t in
SEJ sleeper
Not provided
Provided
Failure rate
Very high
INSTALLATION OF MODIFIED
SEJ
Preparatory works.
Installation works.
Reference marks and gap measurements.
Routine maintenance of Modified SEJ.
Special maintenance.
Unusual occurrences.
Inspection and records.
PREPARATORY WORKS
Details plan of LWR track showing exact location of SEJ to be decided.
Distance between the ends of adjoining LWR between in which Modified SEJ
INSTALLATION WORKS
Impose SR of 30 KMPH on the particular KM where SEJ to be inserted.
SEJ shall be pre-assembled as per drawing on PSC sleepers and kept ready beside of
measuring SEJ gap with respect to tip of Tongue rail/Edge of Stock rail.
fortnight.
During daily patrolling, the Key man shall keep special watch on the SEJ.
SEJ gap to be adjusted during distressing which shall be carried out as per
UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES
If another SEJ is not available for replacement, both damaged SEJ rail and
undamaged SEJ rail on opposite side shall be replaced by closure rail and
connected to LWR/SWR with suitable clamps and fishplates.
New SEJ to be installed.
register.
THANK YOU