Bonded Insulated Joint Assemblies

Bonded Insulated Joints

Insulated rail joints serve as the central nervous system of railroad lines, preventing electrical current from flowing between the ends of two adjoining rails. When a train passes over a joint, the train's wheels complete the electrical circuit -- enabling rail operators to know the precise location of trains within complex railways, and triggering crossing signals when a train approaches a road crossing.

In the manufacturing process, L.B. Foster team members receive 80-foot pieces of steel rail, cut them in half and create electrical discontinuity by placing an insulating material (Kevlar®) between the two halves. Then they strengthen the joint by adding a support bar, and bind all the components in place with an epoxy.

Factory Assembled:

• Epoxy bonded with high integrity TEMPRANGE® II epoxy for long life
• Full-contact, micro alloy joint bar
• Assembled to specified length, up to 60' long
• Available in worn rail/transition rail configurations
• Assembled with A-490 bolts or huck pins (6 or 8)
• Ultra long life ENDURA-JOINT® with Aramid insulation also available

KEVLAR® is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.