Pandrol’s DFC Common Interface (CI) has been designed to futureproof non-ballasted track. DFC CI is part of our Common Interface range.
Pandrol’s Common Interface System provides a common connection point for a range of different direct and indirect fastening assemblies. A common base accommodates three different fastenings: FCA, DFC and Vanguard. As a result, when noise and vibration mitigation requirements change, rather than having to modify or replace the whole track, the fastening system can simply be swapped out.
As its name suggests, the fastening assembly fits on a common interface and is fully interchangeable with a range of fastenings, including FCA and Vanguard.
The high degree of flexibility offered by being able to change the fastenings on the common interface allows for greater futureproofing of non-ballasted track than in the past. Where noise and vibration concerns demand changes to stiffness, instead of having to modify or rebuild the whole track, the fastening system alone can be changed. This saves time, results in minimal disruption to track access, and saves a huge amount of money.
The DFC has been designed for ease of installation and maintenance with minimal tools, cutting maintenance inventory and time.
The DFC can be fitted with a low stiffness assembly (16–25 kN/mm), resulting in exceptionally low ground-borne vibration.
The system provides full electrical insulation and corrosion protection.
Available in low toe load and zero longitudinal restraint (ZLR) configurations, the DFC is suitable for bridge and viaduct applications. It can be used for stiffness transitions using variable stiffness rail and baseplate pads.
The commonality of the DFC simplifies tooling, inventory and training for concrete plants.
The DFC shares a common interface can accommodate FCA, DFC and Vanguard fastening systems, allowing for different levels of stiffness (resilience) without changing the substrate.
With the addition of a raiser, corrections of up to 60mm can be made to the rail head height. If ground heave is a possibility, raisers can be incorporated into the DFC for ease. Total track gauge adjustment of 20mm (10,, per rail seat) can be made adjusting the gauge of interchangeable side post insulators to move the rail within the baseplate (the baseplate remains fixed).
DFC is an adjustable indirect rail holding mechanism that, being separate from the substrate and with two pads (rail and baseplate), provides a high level of sound, vibration and electrical insulation.
The DFC is fully compatible with Fastclip rail fastenings, with a clip ‘park position’ included on its shoulders. Fastclip’s compatibility with automated clipping machines allows for rapid clipping and unclipping.
The system has been designed to ‘fit and forget’, with minimal maintenance. Its shoulders include features to allow Pandrol de-stressing rollers to be fitted, increasing maintenance efficiency.
The DFC is composed of recyclable materials.
As its name suggests, the assembly fits on a common interface and is fully interchangeable with a range of fastenings, including FCA and DFC.
The product can be pre-assembled and delivered to site captive on the pre-cast element, providing substantial cost savings.