A rail system on a concrete foundation is more thanthe sum of the initial materials costs. It must allow for easy, cost-effective installation and require little or no maintenance. Thedynamic effects of the machinery on the rail system and duty cyclegovern the design. Ambient conditions should be considered in thedesign with respect to chemical and atmospheric resistance,material selection and temperatures during installation. The designof the rail system should allow for future fail changes withoutdisturbing the grout, anchors or foundations. Rail joints should bewelded and synthetic rubber pad used under the rails to reduceimpact shock and vibration. Locking, adjustable rail clips shouldbe used to allow rails between the soleplates and concretefoundation is considerably more durable than cementitious groutin dynamic applications. Although epoxy grout costs more thancementitious grout as a raw material, the installation and lifeexpectancy. Periodic inspections of the rail system should beperformed and repairs initiated before complete system failureoccurs. Rail systems should be designed to make use of standardcomponents specifically developed for the mounting of rails onconcrete foundations. The use of standard design soleplates canreduce materials costs considerably. An understanding of the fieldconditions and construction techniques is critical to the designeconomy and overall success of the installation.
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