Rail joints connect two pieces of rail on a railroad track, allowing for expansion and easy removal of track sections. They are still important in sensitive areas of the track and older tracks can be identified by the rhythmic clicking sound they make.
A rail joint is a device that connects two pieces of rail on a railroad track. This is typically a piece of flat steel with two holes drilled into each end. The holes correspond to those that are drilled in the ends of the rails and are screwed between the two rails to connect and hold them together. The rail joint also provides room for expansion when subjected to very high heat climates.
The railway rails are made of high quality steel. Like all steel, they will tend to expand or elongate when sitting in the sun. If the growth of the entire line were to occur at the end of the runway line, the runway might need to be extended hundreds of feet or more. By placing a rail joint on the rail at a certain interval, track expansion is allowed to occur at the joint and not be noticeable at the end of the track line.
Many times a rail junction will be installed near road junctions. This allows repair crews to easily remove pieces of track. If it weren’t for the rail joint, the track would require cutting and welding to remove and replace. Often a rail joint is used near rail crossings or switch points as well. Repair crews can again easily remove the switch via and replace it without shutting down the line for an extended period.
The new railway tracks are mostly welded to allow high-speed rail travel. This track emits a soft hum as the train wheels pass along its surface. Older or slower speed tracks can be identified by the rhythmic clicking click as the wheels pass over each rail joint. It is said that early in railroad history, a good brakeman could gauge the speed of his train by timing the time between railroad clicks and joints.
Modern construction methods have made track welding the predominant method of laying or repairing an existing track. The rail junction continues to occupy a place in the rail system, due to its easy removal and replacement characteristics. Until a faster method of track cutting and welding is introduced, the rail joint will continue to be installed in sensitive areas of the track containing switches, crossings and high temperatures, making it a crucial component of railway construction.
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