The
Secrets Behind The Long Life Crossing Platform
Very few other level crossing types can withstand the
night and day punishment of heavy weight highway and freight traffic
like a HoldFast platform. One of the various reasons crossing
specifiers choose HoldFast platforms is because of their long
term performance in these testing situations.
HoldFast’s system is designed and constructed to outperform
other crossing systems, which are often sustained only by regular
maintenance and individual panel replacements. The rare incidences
of HoldFast platform failure that have been reported are never
because of the traffic forces but can be attributed to issues
such as poor ballast preparation, site water logging or neglected
highway maintenance.
So, what secrets allow HoldFast crossings the capacity to survive
in situ for so long and have given it the reputation as ‘The
Long Life Crossing’? Here are just a few:
The Material
Rubber is very effective at absorbing load shock, thereby greatly
reducing the loads on the rail track bed and not cracking or crumbling
under the strain.
Rubber flexes more than concrete or other ‘hard’ materials
and this suits crossing designs on track curvatures. The flexibility
also aids the removal of sheet ice if it forms, as the slight
vertical movement of the panels breaks the ice. Rubber is also
very effective as an anti-skid surface.
Full Depth Panels
Because the panels are made of full depth one piece rubber, there
are no parts to peel, break or contort. They also provide unrivalled
protection of the track bed.
Fewer Gaps
Where there is a high volume of maximum weight traffic and artics,
you need to be sure the acute forces applied by traversing traffic
do not push out panels to create potentially dangerous gaps.
HoldFast panels create a crossing with fewer joints than other
crossings, making them extremely robust and durable, excelling
in maximum weight traffic ‘hot spots.’
No Panel Tipping
After a period of time concrete or similarly hard panels can tip
up when heavy traffic crosses at an angle. This can be a particular
problem on skew crossings and, where it does occur, will shorten
the life of the crossing and create an unacceptable hazard. Because
HoldFast panels are heavy full depth rubber, they naturally flex
rather than tip, ensuring there is no possibility of tipping out
throughout their lifespan.
Panel Flange Way
The flange way for train wheels on the panels acts as an effective
water disperser to avoid water pooling, a potential hazard. All
water is channeled away from the level crossing at each end by
the raised circular disks moulded into the surface, which also
improve tyre surface grip.
The Holdfast Angle Edge Beam
This protects the highway approaches from asphalt deterioration
at the road approach to the level crossing. The beam works by
supporting the asphalt surface where it meets a rubber panel
crossing and prevents the banana effect caused by traffic pounding
the crossing. No treatment, drilling, nor cranage is required
to install, avoiding the use of environmentally unfriendly transportation
and heavy installation plant. The installation incorporates rubber
cess panels being tapered against the beam.Continue to Perform
‘As New’
However fast the installation, choosing a crossing system that
provides a long term solution without a maintenance requirement
is essential for reducing costs and improving safety. HoldFast’s
Managing Director, Peter Coates Smith, believes HoldFast offer
the best means of achieving this aim: “I like to say
the proof is in the pudding. Most of our customers who order HoldFast
do so because of their experience with previous HoldFast installations
that continue to perform ‘as new’”. |
