Railway Applications — Performance requirements for fastening systems — Part 2: Concrete sleepers in ballasted track

Scope

Defines performance requirements and type-approval criteria for complete rail fastening assemblies on concrete sleepers in ballasted track, the most widespread European track form. Infrastructure managers and fastening suppliers use it for product approval of direct and indirect fastening systems, covering rail sections of EN 13674-1 and EN 13674-4.

EN 13481-2 defines the performance requirements and type-approval test methods for complete rail fastening system assemblies used on concrete sleepers in ballasted track, the most common track form on the European network. It specifies the mechanical, electrical and durability tests -- covering longitudinal and lateral rail restraint, torsional resistance, electrical insulation and fatigue behaviour under repeated loading -- that a fastening system must pass before infrastructure managers can approve it for use. Fastening suppliers use the standard to obtain type approval for both direct fastening systems (rail fixed straight to the sleeper) and indirect systems (using an intermediate baseplate), and infrastructure managers reference it in their procurement specifications for track renewal and new-build projects. It is applied together with the rail product standards EN 13674-1 and EN 13674-4, since fastening system performance depends on the specific rail section and steel grade being restrained. The current edition in force is EN 13481-2:2022.