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.
Product illustration shows features of our bonded insulated joint assemblies.
