SVENSK STANDARD

SS-EN 13232-1
Fastställd 2003-09-05
Utgåva 1

Järnvägar – Spårväxlar och -korsningar –

Del 1: Definitioner

Railway applications – Track – Switches and

crossings –
Part 1: Definitions

ICS 01.040.45; 45.080

Språk: engelska
Publicerad: oktober 2003
© Copyright SIS. Reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited.
Europastandarden EN 13232-1:2003 gäller som svensk standard. Detta dokument innehåller den officiella
engelska versionen av EN 13232-1:2003.

The European Standard EN 13232-1:2003 has the status of a Swedish Standard. This document contains the
official English version of EN 13232-1:2003.

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EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 13232-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2003

ICS 01.040.45; 45.080

English version

Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings - Part 1:

Definitions

Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Appareils de voie - Partie Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Weichen und Kreuzungen -
1: Définitions Teil 1: Definitionen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 January 2003.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13232-1:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Contents

Page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................3
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................4
2 General definitions ........................................................................................................................................4
3 Definitions of classification terms ...............................................................................................................9
4 Definitions of terms in turnouts and diamonds........................................................................................12
5 Definitions of terms in layouts ...................................................................................................................20
6 Definitions of constituent parts of switch and crossing work ................................................................24
7 Definitions of geometry terms for switches and crossings ....................................................................34
8 Movement and retention of switches and crossings with moveable parts ...........................................43
9 Kinematics and dynamics...........................................................................................................................45
10 Documents....................................................................................................................................................47
Bibliography ..............................................................................................................................................................52

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 13232-1:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN /TC 256, "Railway
applications", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by February 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by February 2004.

This series of standards “Railway Applications – Track – Switches and Crossings” covers the design and quality of
switches and crossings in flat bottomed rail. The list of Parts is as follows :

 Part 1 : Definitions

 Part 2 : Requirements for Geometric Design

 Part 3 : Requirements for Wheel/Rail Interaction

 Part 4 : Requirements for Actuation, Locking and Detection

 Part 5 : Switches

 Part 6 : Fixed common and obtuse crossings

 Part 7 : Crossings with moveable parts

 Part 8 : Expansion devices

 Part 9 : Layouts

Part 1 contains terminology used throughout all parts of this series. Parts 2 to 4 contain basic design guides and
are applicable to all switch and crossing assemblies. Parts 5 to 8 deal with particular types of equipment including
their tolerances. These use Parts 1 to 4 as a basis. Part 9 defines the functional and geometric dimensions and
tolerances for layout assembly.

The following terms are used within to define the parties involved in using the EN as the technical basis for a
transaction :

Customer the Operator or User of the equipment, or the Purchaser of the equipment on the User's behalf.

Supplier the Body responsible for the use of the EN in response to the Customer's requirements.

This document includes a Bibliography.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

1 Scope
This European Standard provides an accepted "terminology" for switch and crossing work. With the assistance of
diagrams, the various components are given definitions, and these specific names are regarded as obligatory.

The definitions cover the constituent parts and design geometry of switch and crossing work, and include the
movement of switches. Additional terminology of a more specific nature will be defined in the relevant part of the
series.

The present definitions set out the terms most generally used for the geometrical form and the construction of
switches and crossings, omitting those of too special a nature.

2 General definitions

2.1
contact area

those parts of the rail ensuring the support and/or guidance, inside or outside, of a wheel. See Figure 5.

2.2
running table
upper surface of the head of a rail. See Figure 1.

Key
1 Running table

Figure 1

2.3
running surface
curved surface defined by the longitudinal displacement of a straight line perpendicular to the centre-line of the
track and tangential to both running tables. See Figure 2.

Figure 2

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

2.4
running plane
flat plane tangential to the running surface at the considered point. See Figure 3.

Key
1 Running plane

Figure 3

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

2.5
rail inclination
angle measured as a tangent (e.g. 1 in 20) between the normal to the running surface and the y-y axis of the rail.
See Figure 4.

Key
1 y-y axis
2 Rail inclination

Figure 4

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

2.6
inclined track
where the axes of the two running rails are inclined inwards towards each other. See Figure 5.

Key
1 Contact area 6 Vertical track
2 Running table 7 Gauge reference plane
3 Running plane 8 Running edge
4 Inclined track 9 Gauge
5 Rail twist

Figure 5

2.7
vertical track
where the axes of the two running rails are parallel, that is, have a rail inclination of zero

2.8
rail twist
change in inclination of the rail (e.g. from 1 in 20 to vertical). See Figure 5.

2.9
gauge reference plane
plane parallel to and below the running surface at a dimension "z". This dimension "z" is generally 14 mm. This
plane is used for all design work, machining, and measurements. See Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 6

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

2.10
running edge
intersection of the gauge reference plane with the inside of the rail head. See Figure 5.

2.11
track gauge
distance between the corresponding running edges of the two rails. See Figure 5.

2.12
centre-line of track
line midway between the running edges on straight track, and half normal gauge inside the running edge of the
larger radius rail in curved track. See Figures 5 and 7.

2.13
high-side rail
on curved track, the rail with the larger radius, i.e. centre-line radius plus half of track gauge

2.14
low-side rail
on curved track, the rail with the smaller radius

2.15
gauge widening
intended increase in gauge. The radius of the low-side rail is decreased, and the distance between the centre-line
of track and the low-side rail is increased, by the amount of gauge widening. See Figure 7.

Key
1 Gauge widening on sharp curves
2 717.5 + Gauge widening
3 717.5 + Gauge widening
G =gauge / 2

Figure 7

2.16
sleeper or bearer spacing
distance along the rails between the centre-lines of adjacent sleepers or bearers

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

2.17
cant (superelevation)
difference in height, relative to the horizontal, of the two rails of one track at a particular location, measured at the
centrelines of the heads of the rails. See Figure 8.

Key
1 Horizontal
2 Cant (superelevation)

Figure 8

2.18
equilibrium cant
cant for which at a particular stated speed the resultant of the load of vehicle and the centrifugal force is
perpendicular to the running plane

2.19
cant deficiency
difference between the applied cant on the track and the equilibrium cant for the vehicle at the particular stated
speed

3 Definitions of classification terms

3.1
switch and crossing work
trackwork ensuring the support and guidance of a vehicle along any given route among various diverging or
intersecting tracks. The term (switch and crossing work) is amplified to include certain items having other functions
(for example, expansion devices).
NOTE: Switches are in some circumstances described as points - either word is considered acceptable. (English
version only).

All sketches represent the running edges. All turnouts are viewed from the switch toe (see 6.2.7).

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

3.2
turnout
layout permitting the passage of rolling stock between two tracks and one common track. See Figure 9.

Figure 9

3.3
diamond crossing
layout permitting the passage of rolling stock on intersecting tracks. See Figure 10.

Figure 10

3.4
interlaced track
layout permitting the passage of rolling stock between two tracks either of different gauge or not, to a common
section with 4 rails. See Figure 11.

Figure 11

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

3.5
mixed gauge turnout
layout permitting the passage of rolling stock between two tracks of different gauge to a common section with
3 rails. See Figure 12.

Figure 12

3.6
trap point
layout permitting the derailment of rolling stock to ensure for example protection of an adjacent track or structure.
See Figure 13.

Figure 13

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

3.7
adjustment switch (expansion joint)
device which permits longitudinal relative rail movement of two adjacent rails, while maintaining correct guidance
and support. See Figure 14.

Figure 14

4 Definitions of terms in turnouts and diamonds

4.1 Track designations

The following definitions apply even when the appearance of the layout is curved.
4.1.1
main line
in the basic design the straight track is called the "main" line. See Figure 15.

Key
1 Branch line
2 Main line

Figure 15

4.1.2
branch line (turnout line)
in the basic design, the curved track is called the "branch" or "turnout" line. See Figure 15.

4.2
turnout designations
turnouts are designated by the symbols :
RH diverging to the right

LH diverging to the left

S symmetrical (or equal split)

The type of turnout depends upon the "set" of the switches, and not upon the geometry of the track layout. The

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

"set" is defined as the bend in the stock rail at the switch toe applying to the branch or turnout line.

The diverging track (to left or right) is always the track with the set in the stock rail, or where no set is used, the
track with the sharper radius.

4.2.1
diverging turnout
when the branch line diverged to the right of the main line, it is a right hand turnout. See Figure 16.

Key
1 Main line
2 Branch line

Figure 16

When the branch line diverged to the left of the main line, it is a left-hand turnout. See Figure 17.

Key
1 Main line
2 Branch line

Figure 17

For curved turnouts see 7.6.3.

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

4.2.2
equal split turnout
when the two tracks diverge symmetrically from the common track. The machining of each switch rail will be equal,
as will the horizontal set (if any) of each stock rail (see 6.2.2). See Figure 18.

Figure 18

4.2.3
three-throw or tandem turnout
junction between two tracks and a common track. The different types are designated :
S3 3 symmetrical tracks (three-throw)

RR 3 asymmetrical tracks of which two diverge to the right

LL 3 asymmetrical tracks of which two diverge to the left

RL 3 asymmetrical tracks with first diverging track to the right and second diverging track to the left

LR 3 asymmetrical tracks with first diverging track to the left and second diverging track to the right

4.2.4
symmetrical, three-throw
two tracks with a common origin (see 7.3.1) diverging symmetrically from the common central, normally straight,
track. See Figure 19.

Figure 19

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4.2.5
non-symmetrical, tandem turnout "same side"
two tracks of separate origin (see 7.3.1) "in tandem" diverging from a common main line to the right, designated RR
as in Figure 20 or 21. Type LL, diverging to the left are mirror reflections.

Figure 20

Figure 21

4.2.6
non-symmetrical, tandem turnout "opposite sides"
diverging to the right and to the left as shown in Figure 22, designated RL, or vice versa, designated LR

Figure 22

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

4.3
diamond crossing designations
the diamond crossing is either standard or non-standard

4.3.1
standard
when both tracks are straight or on curves of the same hand and radius. See Figure 23.

Figure 23

4.3.2
non-standard
when one track is curved and the other straight, or when both tracks are curved to different radii or when both
tracks are to the same radius but of opposite hand. See Figure 24.

Figure 24

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

4.3.3
designations of non-standard diamonds
the following designations are used to define non-standard diamonds according to whether the curved track or that
of sharper radius bears away to the right or to the left of an observer standing at the position indicated (the flatter
crossing end of the straight or flatter curved track) and looking towards the centre of the diamond

Figure 25

Figure 26

4.3.4
diamond crossing with slips
layout permitting the passage of rolling stock between two intersecting tracks as well as over such tracks. It may be
single or double with variants as follows.

4.3.5
single slip
when only one connection is made between the intersecting tracks. These are designated SS (single slip; or
diamond crossing with single slip).

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

4.3.6
inside single slip
with switches inside the diamond. See Figure 27.

Figure 27

4.3.7
outside single slip
with switches outside the diamond. See Figure 28.

Figure 28

4.3.8
double slip
when both intersecting tracks are connected. These are designated DS (double slip; or diamond crossing with
double slip).

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

4.3.9
inside double slip
with switches inside the diamond. See Figure 29.

Figure 29

4.3.10
outside double slip
with switches outside the diamond. See Figure 30.

Figure 30

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

5 Definitions of terms in layouts

5.1
layout
any combination of switches and crossings

5.2
single crossover
two turnouts placed heel to heel combining to join two adjacent tracks. See Figure 31.

Figure 31

5.3
single junction
layout of turnout and diamond crossing with or without slips, allowing the intersection of adjacent tracks by a track
also partially or completely connecting them. See Figure 32.

Figure 32

NOTE The term "Single junction" in the French and German languages also covers single track multiple crossovers, using
two turnouts and any number of consecutive diamonds with or without slips.

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

5.4
double junction
layout comprising two turnouts and a diamond crossing (with or without slips) combined to give a double track
divergence from the double track main line. See Figure 33.

Figure 33

A crossover, single or double junction, is said to be right or left hand according to the direction of divergence from
the major route.

5.5
scissors crossover
layout comprising two intersecting crossovers. See Figure 34.

Figure 34

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

5.6
half-scissors crossover
part layout as above comprising two turnouts of opposite hand in the same track and the central diamond crossing.
See Figure 35.

Figure 35

5.7
interlaced turnouts
layout comprising two turnouts laid opposite one another and mutually interlaced. They can be as follows.

5.7.1
normal
when the two turnouts are of opposite hand (curved diamond crossing with single slip). In certain cases, switch
diamonds (see 6.5.3.) are required at the diamond crossings. See Figure 36.

Figure 36

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

5.7.2
special
when the two turnouts are of the same hand. See Figure 37.

Figure 37

5.8
special layouts
any more complex combination of switches, crossings and diamonds including those incorporating more than one
gauge

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6 Definitions of constituent parts of switch and crossing work

6.1
turnout panels

See Figure 38.

Key
1 Switch panel
2 Closure panel
3 Crossing panel

Figure 38

6.2
switch panel
that part of a turnout or layout ensuring the continuity of any one of two or three diverging tracks at the beginning of
the divergence, consisting of two half sets of switches assembled together, usually with bearers.
It should be referred to prEN 13232-5. The components of the switch panel are shown in Figure 39 and are as
follows.

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Key
1 Left hand half-set of switches 12 Stretcher bar bracket
2 Right hand half-set of switches 13 Stretcher bar
3 Left hand curved switch rail 14 Anti-creep device (not shown)
4 Right hand straight switch rail 15 Switch Toe/Tip
5 Left hand straight stock rail 16 Switch Heel
6 Right hand curved stock rail 17 Switch Rail Joint
7 Heel baseplate 18 Stock Rail Joint
8 Block or Heel block 19 Stock Front Joint
9 Fishplate block (not shown) 20 Soleplate
10 Stud/distance block 21 Bearers (not shown)
11 Slide baseplate

Figure 39

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6.2.1
switch rail
movable machined rail, often of special section, but fixed and/or joined at the heel end to a rail to provide continuity
of wheel support. Details of movement are described in 10.1. The two switch rails in a set are the two inside rails. A
switch rail is described as right or left hand according to whether it is part of a right hand or left hand half-set of
switches (see 6.2.5).

6.2.2
stock rail
fixed machined rail, ensuring the continuity on the main or diverging track with the switch in the open position. The
machined part of the stock rail supports its switch rail in the closed position, giving continuity of line through this
switch rail. The two stock rails in a set of switches are the two outside rails. A stock rail is described as right or left
hand according to whether it is part of a right hand or left hand half-set of switches (see 6.2.5).

6.2.3 switch positions

6.2.3.1
switch open
switch rail not fitting up to its corresponding stock rail

6.2.3.2
switch closed
switch rail fitted up to its corresponding stock rail

6.2.4 rail joints

6.2.4.1
switch rail joint
joint at the heel end of the switch rail

6.2.4.2
stock rail joint
joint at the switch heel end of the stock rail

6.2.4.3
stock front joint
joint at the switch toe end of the stock rail

6.2.5
half-set of switches
consists of one stock rail and its switch rail complete with small fittings. It is right or left hand as seen by an
observer in the centre of the track facing the switch heel from the switch toe.

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6.2.6
set of switches
arangement of two half-sets of switches, one right hand, the other left hand. They may be diverging right hand
(Figure 40), diverging left hand (Figure 41) or equal split (Figure 42).

Figure 40

Figure 41

Figure 42

6.2.7
switch toe or tip
reference point at the end of the switch rail that contacts the stock rail. (See 7.3.2).

6.2.8
switch heel
opposite end of the switch to the toe, and normally associated with the region in which the switch rail is fixed for the
first time

6.2.9 switch types

6.2.9.1
flexible switch
switch rail, the toe of which is moved by flexing about a fixed heel

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6.2.9.2
loose-heel switch
rigid switch rail which pivots about its heel

6.2.10
small fittings
ancillary material required for the fabrication of switch and crossing work

6.2.10.1
block
part ensuring the attachment of two fixed parts laterally and/or longitudinally at the correct distance apart

6.2.10.2
heel block
block ensuring the attachment of the stock and switch rails at the heel of a half-set of switches
6.2.10.3
fishplate block
special block ensuring also the attachment of the fishplating at the heel of the stock or switch rail

6.2.10.4
stud or distance block
part normally fixed to the stock rail ensuring the lateral support of its switch rail in the closed position

6.2.10.5
slide baseplate or chair
part which supports and retains the stock rail and a flat surface upon which the foot of the switch rail slides

6.2.10.6
stretcher bar
part joining the two switch rails of the same set of switches

6.2.10.7
stretcher bar bracket
part fixed to the switch rail to which the stretcher bar joining the two switch rails is connected

6.2.10.8
switch and crossing baseplate
load distributing baseplate placed between the bearer and the feet of two or more rails

6.3
closure panel
that part of a layout or turnout situated between the switch panel and the crossing panel consisting of rails with
fastening system and usually on bearers. See Figure 38.

6.4
common crossing panel
that part of a turnout or layout ensuring the continuity of two intersecting routes by means of an intersection of
opposite running edges and consisting of a common crossing, 2 outside rails, and 2 check rails complete with small
fittings and assembled together, usually with bearers. See Figure 32.
It should be referred to prEN 13232-6.

The components of the common crossing panel as well as examples of alternative check rail supports are shown in
Figure 43.

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Key
1 Common crossing 9 Crossing Vee
2 Crossing nose 10 Crossing baseplate
3 Outside rail 11 Block
4 Check rail Strut 12 Point rail
5 Check rail 13 Splice rail
6 Check rail support 14 Heel of crossing
7 Left hand wing (rail) 15 Bearers
8 Right hand wing (rail)

Figure 43

6.4.1
common crossing
arrangement ensuring the intersection of two opposite running edges of turnouts or diamond crossings and having
one crossing vee and two wing rails

6.4.2
straight common crossing
when the two running edges are straight throughout, i.e. all 4 legs are straight. This crossing is not handed.

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6.4.3
curved common crossing
when one running edge is straight and the other curved. The crossing is curved “right” or “left” and handed
according to whether the centre-line of the curved track is to the right or left for an observer standing at the nose
and facing the heel.

6.4.3.1
ordinary
it is described as “Ordinary” when the wing fronts converge and the vee is straight or diverging. See Figure 44.

Key
1 1 Radius R
2 R or STR

Figure 44

6.4.3.2
double junction type
it is described as "double junction type" when the wing fronts diverge and the vee is converging. See Figure 45.

Figure 45

6.4.3.3
non-standard
it is described as "non-standard" when any other curving arrangements not shown above are used. These are
considered as special and need to be fully detailed.

6.4.4
common crossing parts
for diagram, see Figure 35

6.4.4.1
vee
parts of the crossing forming the shape of a letter "V" which forms support to the wheels

6.4.4.2
nose
point at which the vee commences, at the level of the gauge reference plane. See also 7.4.5.

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6.4.4.3
point rail
rail in a built-up crossing which when machined forms the crossing nose

6.4.4.4
splice rail
rail in a built-up crossing which is spliced into the point rail, forming the crossing vee. The crossing is described as
"left hand splice" or "right hand splice" depending on the splice position when the observer is facing the nose.

6.4.4.5
wings or wing rails
outer parts of the common crossing which support and guide the wheels across the flangeway gap

6.4.4.6
outside rails
running rails opposite the crossing at a distance of gauge away

6.4.4.7
check or check rail
special section bar ensuring (by guidance of the wheel) the safe passage of the axle opposite the neck gap of the
common crossing

6.4.4.8
check rail strut
part joining the common crossing to the check rail ensuring the maintenance of the correct position of the check rail
relative to the crossing nose

6.4.4.9
check rail support
part supporting the check rail

6.4.4.10
heel of crossing
physical end of the common crossing vee at its open end

6.4.4.11
wing front
length of the wing (rail) in front of the crossing nose. See Figure 58.

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6.5
obtuse crossing panel
arrangement in a layout that ensures the continuity of two routes, the corresponding running edges of which
intersect, and consisting of two obtuse crossings, complete with small fittings, and assembled together usually with
bearers. It is the central part of a diamond crossing.

Key
The components of the obtuse crossing panel are shown in Figure 46 and are as follows :

1 Obtuse crossing 6 Check (rail)

2 Obtuse crossing baseplate 7 Knuckle
3 Left hand point (rail) 8 Block
4 Right hand point (rail) 9 Bearer
5 Wing (rail)

Figure 46

NOTE: For an observer placed on the axis of symmetry of the obtuse crossing facing the wing rail from outside the
track (direction of the arrow) - all components to the left are "left hand", all the components to the right are "right
hand". See Figure 46.

6.5.1
obtuse crossing
part of a layout allowing the intersection of two corresponding running edges of intersecting tracks, and consisting
of two point rails or vees, a wing (rail) and a check (rail)

6.5.1.1
set of obtuse crossings
arrangement comprising two obtuse crossings

6.5.2
obtuse crossing parts
see Figure 46

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

6.5.2.1
nose of point rails
two parts of the crossing forming the running rail vees and supporting the wheels

6.5.2.2
wing or wing rail
part of the obtuse crossing forming the running rail support outside the point rail

6.5.2.3
check or check rail
part of the obtuse crossing ensuring (by guidance of the wheel) the safe passage of the axle between the obtuse
point rails. This may or may not have an edge raised above the running table.

6.5.2.4
knuckle
theoretical intersection of the running edges

6.5.2.5
spliced check
check rail to provide extra guidance particularly on a sharp curvature (not shown in Figure 46)

6.5.3
switch diamond
type of obtuse crossing where both the point rails take the form of movable switch rails presenting fully supported
running edges in the route for which they are set. Switch diamonds are used for flat crossing angles, and for
crossings with sharp curvature, and consist of two switch rails and a wing rail.

6.5.3.1
set of switch diamonds
arrangement forming the centre part of a movable diamond and consisting of two wing rails (W) and four switch
rails (S). See Figure 47.

Figure 47

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7 Definitions of geometry terms for switches and crossings

7.1 Switch features

The geometric features of switches are as follows.
See Figure 48. Rail ends may be in line or staggered.

Key
1 Real switch toe, RP 7 Relief machining of the switch
2 Switch "front" 8 "Set" of the stock rail
3 Mathematical switch toe, MP 9 Switch flangeway
4 Origin of switch curve 10 Opening at the drive position
5 Entry angle 11 Opening at the switch toe
6 Extension of the switch toe

Figure 48

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.2 Examples of geometrical forms of switches

7.2.1 Tangential

See Figure 49.

Key
1 Stock rail
2 Tangent at P

Figure 49

7.2.2 Intersecting (outside shift)

See Figure 50.

Key
1 Stock rail
2 Tangent at MP
3 Offset (shift)
4 Origin

Figure 50

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.2.3 Non-intersecting (inside shift)

See Figure 51.

Key
1 Stock rail
2 Tangent at P
3 Origin
4 Offset (shift)

Figure 51

7.3 Switch geometry definitions

7.3.1
origin of switch curve
position at which the switch radius is perpendicular to the main line, and, in equal split switches, to the axis of
symmetry

7.3.2
real switch toe, RP
movable end of a straight or curved switch rail (the physical rail end)

7.3.3
mathematical point of switch, MP
theoretical intersection point of the running edges of the switch rail and the stock rail

7.3.4
extension of the switch toe
distance between the mathematical point of the switch and the real switch toe (MP to RP)

7.3.5
switch flangeway
in a half set of switches, the minimum distance obtained between the open switch rail and its adjacent stock rail
running edge

7.3.6
entry angle
angle of intersection of the running edges of the diverging switch rail and the tangent to the main line at the
mathematical point (MP)

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.3.7
“set" of the diverging stock rail
angle of the diverging stock rail, allowing the joining of the running edges of the stock rail and the straight main

7.3.8
top machining
progressive machining of the running table of the switch rail towards to toe

7.3.9
side relief machining
progressive lateral machining of the side of the head of the switch rail towards the toe in order to protect the toe.
See Figure 52.

Figure 52

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.3.10
flange relief
reduction of section of switch rail foot at the switch heel to facilitate flexing. See Figure 53.

Key
1 Flange relief

Figure 53

7.3.11
offset of the curve (shift)
distance between the switch curve and the straight main at the origin of the curve

7.4 Common crossing features

The following terms relate to common crossings and their check (rails). See Figure 43.

7.4.1
angle of crossing heel (tangent intersection type)
acute angle formed by the tangents to the centre-lines of the two tracks measured at the heel of the crossing. See
Figure 54.

Figure 54

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.4.2
angle of crossing vee (running edges intersection type)
acute angle formed by the intersection of the running edges of the two tracks measured at the intersection. For
curved crossings, the tangent to the curve at the Intersection Point is used. See Figure 55.

Figure 55

7.4.3 Crossing angle measurement

There are two accepted methods of measuring the crossing angle, which are as follows.

7.4.3.1
tangent measure
is defined as the tangent of the angle. See Figure 56.

Figure 56

7.4.3.2
centre-line measure
the designation "1 in N" is defined as half the cotangent of half the angle of the crossing. See Figure 57.

Figure 57

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.4.4
theoretical intersection point, IP
theoretical intersection point of the running edges at the centre of the crossing. See Figure 58.

Key
1 IP = Intersection point
2 RP = Real point

Figure 58

7.4.5
nose (or real point), RP
commencement of the actual crossing vee on its upper surface at a specified level below the running surface on
the centre-line of the crossing. See Figure 58.

7.4.6
flangeway
space between the guiding edges of the wing or check (rail) and the adjacent running edge. See Figure 59.

Key
1 Flangeway
2 Gap

Figure 59

7.4.6.1
parallel flangeway
part of the flangeway in use at constant width

7.4.6.2
check or wing flare
part of the flangeway in use at variable width, to guide the wheel flange into the parallel portion

7.4.6.3
check or wing end flare
normally unused part of the flangeway at the end of the check or wing (rail)

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.4.6.4
gap
length over which the running edge is interrupted. See Figure 59.

7.4.7
dimension for nose protection (check gauge)
distance between the guiding edges of the check (rail) and the running edge of the nose which it protects

7.4.8
dimension for free passage
also called running clearance. The distance between the guiding edges of a check (rail) and its corresponding wing
(rail). See prEN 13232-3.

7.5
obtuse crossing area
see Figure 46

7.5.1
obtuse crossing angle
acute angle at the knuckle formed by the intersection of the two running edges of an obtuse crossing. Either
tangent measure or centre-line measure may be used to define the crossing angle. (See 7.4.3.)

7.5.2
obtuse crossing nose (or real point, RP)
commencement of the actual nose of an obtuse crossing at the level of the gauge reference plane. Each obtuse
crossing will have two noses.

7.5.3
nose easement
lateral machining of the obtuse crossing nose on the wing rail side

7.5.4
dimension for free passage
distance between the guiding edges of the two corresponding check rails of a set of obtuse crossings

7.6
curved layout
layout in which the main line is laid on a curve

7.6.1
site curved item
item curved into position on site

7.6.2
pre-curved item
item permanently set by the Supplier to the particular radius required

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

7.6.3 Curved turnouts

7.6.3.1
inside curved turnout
curved layout, which has the branch line inside the curve of the main line. See Figure 60.

Key
1 Main
2 Branch

Figure 60

7.6.3.2
outside curved turnout
curved layout which has the branch line outside the curve of the main line. For similar flexure layout see Figure 61.

Key
1 Branch
2 Main

Figure 61

For contraflexure flexure layout see Figure 62.

Key
1 Branch
2 Main

Figure 62

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

8 Movement and retention of switches and crossings with moveable parts

8.1
switch drives
apparatus for operation of moveable rails to give the required route

8.2
multiple drives
arrangement principally used in a set of switches to distribute part of the effort of movement towards the heel and
ensure an adequate flangeway for the open switch

8.3
switch retention (locking)
prevention of the undesirable movement of the moveable rails under traffic

8.4
trailable switches
when a set of switches is negotiated under specific circumstances by traffic in the trailing direction which results in
the forced movement of the switches without damage, then the switches are said to be "trailable"

8.4.1
trailable one way switches
trailable switches which return to their original position after being trailed through by traffic. The return effect may
be damped to act after the passage of the complete train. See Figure 63.

Figure 63

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

8.4.2
trailable two way switches
trailable switches which remain in the position into which they are driven by the first axle of traffic in the trailing
direction. See Figure 64.

Figure 64

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

9 Kinematics and dynamics

9.1 Movement of switch rails

9.1.1
opening of switch rail position
extent of the movement of the switch rail, at a drive position, between its open and closed positions

9.1.2
opening at switch toe
extent of the total movement of the switch rail at the toe of the switch

9.1.3
movement of the drive mechanism
extent of the movement of the drive mechanism between the two extreme positions of the switches

9.1.4
"entrebaillement" (switch not properly closed)
extent to which the real switch toe in the closed position lies slightly open

9.1.5
"chariotage" (forcing open of switch rail)
opening movement of the curved switch rail under intermittent side thrust applied by a number of rigid axles while
negotiating the turnout. See Figure 65.

Key
1 Axle 1
2 Axle 2

Figure 65

9.2 Dynamics of the wheel

9.2.1
angle of impact
angle formed by the direction of the vertical plane of the wheel relative to the running edge immediately before
impact

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

9.2.2
angle of attack
angle formed by the direction of the vertical plane of the wheel relative to the displaced running edge after the
impact. See Figure 66.

Key
1 Angle of attack

Figure 66

9.3 Dynamics of switches

9.3.1
applied force
force which keeps the switch rail closed against the stock rail after completion of the movement

9.3.2
retaining force
force necessary to commence movement of the closed switch rail away from its stock rail

9.3.3
drive force
lateral load exerted at the drive position for a full opening of the switch

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

10 Documents

10.1
layout drawing
drawing used for manufacture, assembly in the workshop, and for re-assembly. May also include the setting out
diagram.

10.2
setting out diagram
diagram used for setting out in the fabrication depot, and on site

10.3
assembly drawings
individual plans of particular parts of the layout - for example, switches, common crossings, obtuse crossings,
switch drive assembly

10.4
detail or manufacturing drawings
drawings for manufacture of individual items, for example :
 a half-set of switches, LH or RH, straight or curved ;

 a common crossing ;

 an obtuse crossing ;

 small fittings.

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Index

A
Adjustment Switch (Expansion Joint) 3.7
Angle of attack 9.2.2
Angle of crossing heel (Tangent intersection type) 7.4.1
Angle of crossing vee (Running edges intersection type) 7.4.2
Angle of impact 9.2.1
Applied force 9.3.1
Assembly drawings 9.3

B
Block 6.2.10.1
Branch Line (Turnout Line) 4.1.2

C
Cant (Superelevation) 2.17
Cant Deficiency 2.19
Centre-line measure 7.4.3.2
Centre-line of track 2.12
Chariotage (forcing open of switch rail) 9.1.5
Check or check rail 6.4.4.7, 6.5.2.3
Check or wing end flare 7.4.6.3
Check or wing flare 7.4.6.2
Check rail strut 6.4.4.8
Check rail support 6.4.4.9
Closure Panel 6.3
Common crossing 6.4.1
Common crossing features 7.4
Common crossing panel 6.4
Common Crossing Parts 6.4.4
Contact area 2.1
Curved common crossing 6.4.3
Curved layout 7.6
Curved turnouts 7.6.3

D
Designation of Non-Standard Diamonds 4.3.3
Detail or manufacturing drawings 10.4
Diamond Crossing 3.3
Diamond Crossing Designations 4.3
Diamond Crossing with Slips 4.3.4
Dimension for free passage 7.5.4
Dimension for nose protection (check gauge) 7.4.7
Diverging Turnout 4.2.1
Double Junction 5.4
Double Slip 4.3.8
Drive force 9.3.3
Dynamics of switches 9.3
Dynamics of the wheel 9.2

E
Entrebaillement (switch not properly closed) 9.1.4
Entry angle 7.3.6
Equal Split Turnout 4.2.2
Equilibrium Cant 2.18
Examples of geometrical forms of switches 7.2

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Extension of the switch toe 7.3.4

F
Fishplate block 6.2.10.3
Flange relief 7.3.10
Flangeway 7.4.6
Flexible switch 6.2.9.1

G
Gap 7.4.6.4
Gauge reference plane 2.9
Gauge widening 2.15

H
Half-scissors crossover 5.6
Half-set of switches 6.2.5
Heel block 6.2.10.2
Heel of crossing 6.4.4.10
High-side rail 2.13

I
Inclined track 2.6
Inside curved turnout 7.6.3.1
Inside double slip 4.3.9
Inside single slip 4.3.6
Interlaced Track 3.4
Interlaced Turnouts 5.7
Intersecting (outside shift) 7.2.2

K
Knuckle 6.5.2.4

L
Layout 5.1
Layout drawing 10.1
Loose-heel switch 6.2.9.2
Low-side rail 2.14

M
Main Line 4.1.1
Mathematical point of switch, MP 7.3.3
Mixed gauge Turnout 3.5
Movement of drive mechanism 9.1.3
Movement of switch rails 9.1
Multiple drives 8.2

N
Non-intersecting (inside shift) 7.2.3
Non-symmetrical, Tandem turnout "same side" 4.2.5
Non-symmetrical,Tandem turnout "opposite sides" 4.2.6
Nose 6.4.4.2
Nose (or real point), RP 7.4.5
Nose easement 7.5.3
Nose or Point rails 6.5.2.1

O
Obtuse crossing 6.5.1
Obtuse crossing angle 7.5.1

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Obtuse crossing area 7.5

Obtuse crossing nose (or real point, RP) 7.5.2
Obtuse crossing panel 6.5
Obtuse Crossing Parts 6.5.2
Offset of the curve (shift) 7.3.11
Opening of switch rail position 9.1.1
Opening at switch toe 9.1.2
Origin of switch curve 7.3.1
Outside curved turnout (contra flexure) 7.6.3.2
Outside curved turnout (similar flexure) 7.6.3.2
Outside double slip 4.3.10
Outside rails 6.4.4.6
Outside single slip 4.3.7

P
Parallel flangeway 7.4.6.1
Point rail 6.4.4.3
Pre-curved item 7.6.2

R
Rail Inclination 2.5
Rail joints 6.2.4
Rail twist 2.8
Real switch toe, RP 7.3.2
Retaining force 9.3.2
Running edge 2.10
Running Plane 2.4
Running surface 2.3
Running table 2.2

S
Scissors Crossover 5.5
Set of obtuse crossings 6.5.1.1
Set of switch diamonds 6.5.3.1
Set of switches 6.2.6
Set of the diverging stock rail 7.3.7
Setting out diagram 10.2
Side relief machining 7.3.9
Single Crossover 5.2
Single Junction 5.3
Single Slip 4.3.5
Site-curved item 7.6.1
Sleeper or bearer spacing 2.16
Slide baseplate or chair 6.2.10.5
Small fittings 6.2.10
Special Layouts 5.8
Splice rail 6.4.4.4
Spliced check 6.5.2.5
Stock front joint 6.2.4.3
Stock rail 6.2.2
Stock rail joint 6.2.4.2
Straight common crossing 6.4.2
Stretcher bar 6.2.10.6
Stretcher bar bracket 6.2.10.7
Stud or distance block 6.2.10.4
Switch and crossing baseplate 6.2.10.8
Switch and Crossing work 3.1
Switch closed 6.2.3.2
Switch diamond 6.5.3
Switch drives 8.1
Switch features 7.1

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 EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Switch flangeway 7.3.5

Switch geometry definitions 7.3
Switch heel 6.2.8
Switch open 6.2.3.1
Switch Panel 6.2
Switch positions 6.2.3
Switch rail 7.2.1
Switch rail joint 6.2.4.1
Switch retention (locking) 9.3
Switch toe or tip 6.2.7
Switch types 7.2.9
Symmetrical, Three-throw 4.2.4

T
Tangential 7.2.1
Theoretical intersection point, IP 7.4.4
Three-throw or Tandem Turnout 7.2.3
Top machining 7.3.8
Track gauge 2.11
Trailable one way switches 8.4.1
Trailable switches 9.4
Trailable two way switches 8.4.2
Trap Point 3.6
Turnout 4.2
Turnout Designations 4.2
Turnout Panels 6.1

V
Vee 6.4.4.1
Vertical track 2.7

W
Wing front 6.4.4.11
Wing or wing rail 6.5.2.2, 6.4.4.5

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EN 13232-1:2003 (E)

Bibliography

[1] prEN 13232-5, Railway Applications – Track – Switches and Crossings - Part 5 : Switches.

[2] prEN 13232-6, Railway Applications – Track – Switches and Crossings - Part 6 : Fixed common and obtuse
crossings.

[3] prEN 13232-7, Railway Applications – Track – Switches and Crossings - Part 7 : Crossings with moveable
parts.

[4] prEN 13232-8, Railway Applications – Track – Switches and Crossings - Part 8 : Expansion devices.

52