Base Plate

Base plates are elements required at the end of columns to distribute the concentrated load of the column over a much larger area of the material that supports it. At present Kontinental Steel base plates used for public railway and lightrail.

The base plate pads show the desired stiffness in the relevant load area, they have a circular cavity in their middle and are thinner in the area of contact with the rail foot. It is thereby achieved that at an equal vertical stiffness the rail configuration in the outer rail foot area has a higher stiffness (no tilting). Base plates are generally used to take the load of Rail and distribute the load to the sleepers. Base plates offer proven economies and are recommended for all gauges using all different rail sections.

Base plates offer many advantages:

• They distribute the load from the rail to the ties, provide uniform bearing surface for the rail and prevent rail movement.

• They provide proper cant and obtain central loading and more uniform wear on the railhead.

• They hold the rail rigidly to gauge and protect ties against undue wear, thereby prolonging the length of service. Base plates are fabricated from heavy hot-rolled steel sections which are punched and sheared to size and are available in single or double shoulder design.

• Kontinental Steel facilities offer expert service for punching, drilling, and fabricating track material to exact specifications.