ShimLift
Height-adjustable wedge fastening that solves the problem of hanging sleepers. At transitions from ballasted to ballastless track, for example, but also under insulated rail joints. Up to 30 mm of correction.
ShimLift is a height-adjustable rail fastening for many types of sleepers. An adjustable wedge under the rail, paired with a counter-wedge, is the core of a simple solution and ensures well-supported track.
Where tamping wears the ballast bed and holds only briefly, ShimLift delivers a lasting, stable track alignment. The system has been applied successfully in several countries.
The problem it solves
Hanging sleepers at transitions are tamped, not solved.
At transitions from ballast to direct-fixation track, at level crossings, for instance, the track subsides and voids form under the sleepers. These hanging sleepers cause dynamic forces every time a train passes the transition, damaging superstructure components and degrading passenger comfort.
The usual answer is the tamping machine. Its effect is only temporary, and every tamping cycle wears the ballast bed, so the voids return, and the machine returns with them.
A wedge goes under the rail.
The height-adjustable wedge is the core of the system. It sits under the rail in an adjustable fastening that suits many types of sleepers.
The sleeper is properly supported again.
Wedge and counter-wedge together enable height adjustment of the rail, restoring a stable track alignment.
Up to 30 mm of correction.
ShimLift corrects the rail height by up to 30 mm, more than sufficient in practice to eliminate the voids, without calling in the tamping machine.
The wedge system
Height adjustment in 1 mm steps
A base shim and five filler shims set the rail height at hanging sleepers, in 1 mm steps from 1 to 30 mm.
Why from 1 mm? Even at its lowest setting the system sits 1 mm higher than a standard bedding plate; each shim therefore delivers 1 mm above its marked steps (V140 / 0 – 5 gives 1 – 6 mm).
Five thicknesses, each covering a 6 mm range. The shim slides over the base shim; the engaged shim follows the set height.
Carries the stepped slope. A protruding key locks into the trough of the base plate.
Steel base plate, fastened to the sleeper as a standard system. The trough locates the base shim.
Suitable for all Vignole and grooved rails, at any inclination.
Timber, concrete or plastic sleepers with a flat upper surface.
Benefits
A ballast bed that no longer needs frequent tamping.
Improved track alignment and the elimination of voids mean less mechanical and manual tamping, less machine deployment and more track availability.
Longer life for track and ballast.
Lower life-cycle costs through a longer service life of track and ballast bed, instead of tamping cycles that wear the ballast and hold only temporarily.
Less energy, less CO₂.
Lower energy consumption and lower CO₂ emissions, maintenance that does not lean on recurring tamping runs.
In service at many problem locations.
ShimLift is in successful use at transitions to bridges and at level crossings, among other locations, and as effective support for insulated rail joints in the track.
Certification
Belgium · Infrabel Official certification Approved and in service Officially certified by Infrabel, the Belgian infrastructure manager; ShimLift is in service on the Belgian network.
In the field
Documentation & links
Manuals, brochures and where to order.
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