Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the terms and definitions for switches and crossings. With the assistance of diagrams, the various components are given definitions, and these specific names are regarded as obligatory.

The terms and definitions cover the constituent parts, design geometry and kinematics of switches and crossings, as well as the movement of switches. This standard is applicable to the design, manufacturing, laying, and maintenance of railway switches and crossings.

Purpose

At present, countries and regions such as Europe, Japan, and China have installed and used millions of railway turnouts, accumulated rich experience in design, manufacturing, and use, and formulated a series of standards. However, many countries are lack of relevant standards. The published national and regional standards have significant differences in railway turnout structure types, functions, system requirements, related interfaces, installing and maintenance. The formulation of this international standard for railway turnout will actively promote the gradual integration of relevant standards, and also provide reference for the formulation and improvement of relevant national standards such as system design, quality control, laying and maintenance. This proposed international standard will help promote international cooperation in turnout projects such as urban rail transit, high-speed, and heavy-haul railways. If successful and agreed upon design methods and technical requirements are shared by international standards, design and manufacturing defects will be avoided, and different countries can share mature operation and maintenance measures based on this international standard. Therefore, this proposed standard will be developed as the first part of a series of future standards