Relevant Laws, Regulations, and Standards for Railroad Fasteners

Introduction

Railroad fasteners are crucial components that ensure the safety and efficiency of railway transportation. Various laws, regulations, and standards have been established to ensure the quality and reliability of railroad fasteners. This article will discuss some of the most relevant laws, regulations, and standards for railroad fasteners.

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations

The FRA is a federal agency responsible for regulating and enforcing safety in the railroad industry. The following regulations are enforced by the FRA:

1. Part 213 – Track Safety Standards
2. Part 214 – Railroad Workplace Safety
3. Part 225 – Railroad Accidents/Incidents: Reports Classification, and Investigations

American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Standards

The AREMA is a professional association for railway engineers and maintenance-of-way professionals. The following standards are published by the AREMA:

1. Chapter 4 – Rail
2. Chapter 5 – Rail Joints and Fastenings
3. Chapter 30 – Concrete Ties

Industry Standards

In addition to the FRA regulations and AREMA standards, there are also industry standards that are widely recognized and used in the railroad industry. The following are some examples:

1. ASTM F1147 – Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Calcium Silicate and Magnesium Oxide Structural Insulation
2. EN 13481-5 – Railway Applications – Track – Part 5: Fastenings for Concrete Sleepers
3. UIC 864-1 – Fastening Systems – Part 1: Definition of Terms