Published on IRJ October 2001 : Finnish/Swiss Joint Venture
12 December 2001
Two new types of rubber level crossings, colled TekniCross and SwissCross, have been created through the cooperation of Teknikum, Finland, and Rex Articoli Tecnici , Switzerland.
Teknikum has been selling rubber level crossings for service in the harsh climatic conditions in Scandinavia and Finland for some time. Rex, on the other hand, makes safety soles for shoes and brake pads for bicycles with excellent braking action and low abrasion. This led to development of a permanent anti-slip surface for rubber level crossings. The rubber level crossings are assembled using inner and outer elements laid between and alongside the rails. Male elements are lowered into female elements with open grooves and then screwed together. Bar joints are not needed. Single elements can be replaced separately.
Rubber level crossings are designed for heavy vehicle traffic and even quite long crossings.
Service rubber level crossings are used for service and emergency vehicles, light and agricultural traffic, and pedestrians, as well as for station platforms.
The rubber elements can be used with all common types of rails and fastenings. Special tools are not required. For easy installation, a grove in the centre of the underside enables the elements to bend when lifted with a hook to push them against the rails.
Sleepers must be prepared prior to installation of the crossing.
Corresponding moulded rubber elements are clipped onto concrete sleepers, whereas rubber sheets are nailed to wooden sleepers.
Ballast must be levelled and vibrated carefully to make it flush with the top of the rubber supporting elements.
Rubber level crossings are available for 1000, 1435 and 1524 mm track gauges. Deflector plates are fixed on both ends.
Special crossings are also available for curves and switch areas.
Trained staff will supervise the installation, but a checklist must be completed before ordering.
