Convenient Procedure for Measuring the Electrical Resistance of Fastening Systems in Urban Railway Tracks

Electrical resistance is among the characteristics that fastening systems must meet to ensure proper functioning of signaling in railway infrastructure. The EN 13146-5:2012 standard specifies a laboratory testing method for determining electrical under wet conditions between running rails provided by system on steel or concrete sleepers. In urban tracks, affects stray current; however, there no standardized measuring method. There also definition minimum value satisfy prevent currents. For this reason, paper analysis possibility using measurement and tracks. study, different used tracks was measured. Based tests results, modifications needed 13146-5 it be suitable were identified. proposed include use DC current source. test should performed rail sample fastened base, circuit closed reference electrode installed base. Spraying water from nozzles not applicable measurement. dry at levels (water top base levelling layer). Different simulate most common built as part road surface, where track-drying process very slow. when are immersed water, because flows directly into such case, has influence measured value. addition describing changes, calculation presented.