Continuous elastomeric shock absorbing rail support for use on railways

摘要

The support has a first elastomeric shock absorbing element (8) under the whole length of the rail (1). The first element is fixed down vertically at discrete positions (6) at intervals of 0.9 to 2.0 m. There are second elastomeric shock absorbing elements (17) which provide horizontal support to the rail, positioned between the holding down points of the first elements. The rail is supported over more than half its length. The first elements are under greater permanent vertical load at the fixing points than between them. This limits the vertical movement of the rail under load and so increases the stability of the head of the rail. The second elements reduce the membrane action of the rail between fixing points.