Railway Expansion Joints

Railway bridges face challenges that significantly differ from those of road bridges. Traffic loads are higher and the ratio between dead weight and traffic load clearly differs from a road bridge.

MAURER Railway Expansion Joints are approved by Deutsche Bahn AG.

Watertight connection between longitudinal profiles and transverse profiles

Mat Expansion Joints (single-seal)

Mat expansion joints (single-seal) for movements < 130 mm

Mat expansion joints (single-seal) consist of an elastomeric profile that is anchored in a steel substructure by means of aluminum clamping profiles. This type of expansion joint is installed underneath the ballast bed.

Mat Expansion Joints (multiple-seal)

Mat expansion joints (multiple-seal) for movements < 260 mm

This system is a serial arrangement of two single-seal mat expansion joints enabling higher movement capacity.

Guided Cross-Tie

Guided cross-tie for movements < 1600 mm

In railroad bridges, movements occurring between superstructure and abutment lead to additional track tension and load on the anchorage. With the guided cross-tie a bridging system has been developed which, on the one hand, ensures that cross-tie spacing does not exceed the permissible value, and, on the other hand, possibly occurring structural movements (displacement, torsion, and twisting) are accommodated without causing damages. We have successfully further developed the “control principle swivel joists”, i.e. elastic forced control proven in road bridges, in such a way that all requirements of railroad traffic are met. The guided cross-tie is aligned in the recess prepared on site and monolithically connected to the structure by molding.

Advantages:

Standard design for expansion paths up to 1600 mm, axle loads of 250 kN and velocities up to 300 km/h
Durable, free of constraint forces, and watertight
Accommodating torsions, lift-proof
Unimpaired travel comfort
Easy installation with secure positioning
Easy inspection and maintenance