About Cold Expansion
Railway track is continually subjected to high cyclic tensile loads generated by the passage of rolling stock over joints. Flexing and displacement of rails at bolted joints, combine to induce high tensile loads at the bolt hole which often generates fatigue cracks. If left undetected, these fatigue induced cracks can lead to fractures which in extreme cases could cause train derailment. The cracking of rail-end bolt holes has been a major concern for years and a cause of premature rail replacement, imposition of speed restrictions and is a significant factor in rail inspection and maintenance costs. Increased rolling stock loads and heavier rail traffic has made it even more essential to eliminate fatigue cracks and prevent potential costly derailments. Fatigue Technology’s (FTI) RailTec System substantially increases the life of bolted rail by shielding bolt holes from the stresses that cause cracks and failure. FTI’s system has successfully extended the life of bolt holes in metal structures for over 25 years.

• Improves the fatigue life of a hole by at least 300%
• Arrests the growth of small cracks
• Cost-effective alternative to replacement track
• Reduces maintenance and inspection costs
• Increases overall structural integrity and safety of the line

We are able to offer a specially adapted rail drill which has vertical and horizontal axes adjustments and comes complete with a range of tools for opening out bolt holes. The drill can be used for the following applications:

• Drilling 30mm holes in new track
• Expanding undersize holes to 30mm
• Expanding bolt holes in existing track prior to cold expansion with three size options: 31mm; 32mm; 33mm.

The drill and tooling eliminates the use of a Benkler rail drill, tapered bridge reamers and trolley mounted swivel jib. We also offer training on how to use Cold Expansion Equipment.

Electric Powerpacks require a minimum of 5kVA. Hydraulic installation tools are supplied with one hose assembly

Cold Bolt Expansion Consumables