Design and development of a stopgap rail clamp system

• Main Author: Ong, Xavier Jun Heng
• Other Authors: Pang Hock Lye, John
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Mechanical design; Rail Clamp
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176494
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report presents the design and development process of a system for enhancing the safety and efficiency of track maintenance operations in the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system of Singapore. Focused on addressing the need for timely and effective temporary fix for track faults, the project aimed to design a steel rail clamping system that offers quick assembly, secure holding, and remote monitoring capabilities. Through a comprehensive design process, including parametric modeling, geometry optimisation, and iterative prototyping, advancements were made in optimising the rail clamp system. Additionally, the report discusses the integration of alternative technologies such as hydraulic clamping systems and vibration sensors to ensure reliable operation under varying conditions. The fabrication and testing phases demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed systems, with promising results indicating improved clamping force stability and operational reliability. Overall, this report contributes to the advancement of railway infrastructure maintenance practices, offering valuable perspectives for optimising maintenance equipment for urban transportation systems in Singapore.