GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

INDIAN RAILWAY

STANDARD SPECIFICATION

FOR

ELASTIC RAIL CLIPS

S.No.T-31- 2021

(Fifth Revision)

RESEARCH DESIGNS AND STANDARDS ORGANISATION

MANAK NAGAR, LUCKNOW-226011

 CONTENTS

Para No. Description Page No.

0 Foreword 1
1 Scope 2
2 Reference documents 2
3 Raw material procurement 3
4 Technical specification of raw material 4
5 Manufacture of clips 7
6 Lot & sample size for testing 7
7 Tests 8
8 Final inspection/testing & documentation 11
9 Protection 11
10 Packing 11
11 Test facilities 12
12 Inspection gauges 12
13 Disposal of rejected clips 12
14 General 12
15 Annexure - I to XIV 13-27
 INDIAN RAILWAY STANDARDS SPECIFICATION
FOR ELASTIC RAIL CLIPS
S.No.T-31- 2021
(Fifth Revision)
0. FOREWORD:

0.1 This specification was first adopted in 1976 and was revised in 1984, when new
clause for the ‘toe load’ test was included. Subsequently the specification was
amended in 1987 when the range of toe-load value of Elastic Rail Clip was
changed from 645-775kg to 645-800kg. Subsequently in April 1988, the scope of
specification was extended to flat toe Elastic Rail Clips. In 1989 the specification
was further revised to enhance its scope to cover all types of Elastic Rail Clips
such as ERC MK-II, ERC MK-III and amendment no.1 of September 1990 for
ERC MK-IV.

0.2 To improve the quality and serviceability of clips, the specification was revised as
third revision and issued in 1992 with a view to cover the specification and
sources for raw material for use by the manufacturer of Elastic Rail Clips and to
exercise checks on inclusion rating, grain size and heterogeneity of steel.
Further, in this revision the sampling plan was also revised for tests under clause
No.7.2, 7.6, 7.7 and 7.8 for which reference was drawn from IS:2500 (Part I)-
1973.

0.3 Subsequently, Corrigendum no. 1 to the specification was issued in 1998 for
amendment in clause 7.4.3. Later on, Corrigendum no. 2 to the specification was
issued in 1999 in which drawing number, type of clip, diameter, approximate
weight of clip, toe deflection, toe-load range and other relevant parameters for
ERC Mk-V was added in Annexure-V. Clauses 3, 4.8.2, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1 were
also revised. In addition to above, Annexure-I was deleted and Annexure-IV
was re-worded. Subsequently, Corrigendum no. 3 to the specification was issued
in January’ 2016 to reword the clause 7.4.3 for bringing clarity.

0.4 This specification was revised and Fourth revision was issued in 2018 to cover
the entire corrigendum issued to this specification till date and to enhance the
scope for manufacturing process of raw material, inclusion rating values, freedom
for surface defects, inspection of raw material, magnetic particle flaw detection of
bars, fatigue test, alternative packing of clips in polythene bags, and renaming of
Annexure. ERC Mk-IV was removed from the scope of specification. In the
reference documents, the IS codes were updated. The sampling plan was also
incorporated as per the latest IS: 2500 (Part-1):2000 and reproduced in
Annexure-III.

1
0.5 This specification has been issued in 2021 under Fifth Revision with certain
modifications in clause 1.1, 4.10, 6.2, 7.4.1, 7.6.2, 7.7, 7.8, 8 & Annexure-V in the
present form. A new clause 7.10 (Stress test) and Annexure-XIV (Test scheme
for the Stress test) has also been incorporated to have more clarity of this test.

The specification of ERC-J (Provisional) Rev.-1994 along with latest corrigendum

2 of October 2016 has now been merged with this specification.

1 SCOPE:

1.1 This standard covers the specification and the approvedsources for the raw
material for the production of Elastic Rail Clips for the guidance of clip
manufacturers. This standard also covers the technical requirement, inspection
and testing procedure of the different designs of Elastic Rail Clips viz. ERC
round, ERC flat, ERC MK-II, ERC MK-III, ERC Mk-V and ERC-J, hereinafter
referred as ‘clips’ which call for stricter control in the quality of raw material,
testing standards for implementation of quality assurance programme by the
manufacturer. Contract awarding party has been referred as ‘purchaser’ and its
nominated inspection agency/representative as ‘inspection agency/officer’. The
firm entrusted with manufacture and supply of clips, is referred to as
‘manufacturer’.

1.2 All the provisions contained in RDSO’s ISO procedures laid down in Document
No. QO-D-7.1-11 dated 19.07.2016 (titled “vendor-changes in approved status”)
and subsequent versions/ amendments thereof, shall be binding and applicable
on the successful vendor/vendors in the contracts floated by Railways to
maintain quality of products supplied to Railways.

2 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

2.1 This standard refers to the following Indian Standards of the BIS. These should
be available at the manufactures’ works for reference:

S. No. IS Code No. TITLE

1. IS:77-1976 Specification for Linseed oil, boiled, for paints.
(Re-affirmed 2019) (Second Revision)
2. IS:1500-2005 Method for Brinell Hardness test for metallic
(Re-affirmed 2010) materials. (Third Revision)
3. IS:1501:2002 Method for Vickers Hardness Test for Metallic
(Re-affirmed 2007) Materials. (Third Revision)
4. IS:1586 (Part-2) : 2012 Metallic Materials - Rockwell Hardness Test,
2018 (Fifth Revision) Part 2 verification and calibration of testing
machines and indenters (Fifth Revision)
5. IS:2500(Part 1)-2000 Sampling procedure for Inspection by
2
 (Re-affirmed 2016) Attributes, Part 1sampling scheme indexed by
acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot by lot
inspection. (Third Revision)
6. IS:4748-2009 Steels-Micrographic determination of the
(Re-affirmed 2017) apparent grain size.(Second Revision)
7. IS:3195-1992 Steel for the manufacture of volute and helical
(Re-affirmed 2017) springs (For Railway Rolling stock)-
specification. (Third Revision)
8. IS:4163-2004 Steels-determination of content of nonmetallic
(Re-affirmed 2017) inclusions micrographic method using
standard diagrams. (Third Revision)
9. IS:6396-2000 Method of measuring decarburized depth of
(Re-affirmed 2018) steel. (Second Revision)
10. IS:7739 Part 5-1976 Code of practice for preparation of
(Re-affirmed 2018) metallographic specimen, Part 5 iron and steel
and their examination.
11. IS: 3703:2004 Recommended practice for magnetic particle
(Re-affirmed 2020) flaw detection. (Second Revision)

Verification of the chemical analysis of raw as well as finished product can be

done through wet analysis for the laid down elements as per relevant methods of
IS codes (IS: 228 Part - 1,2,3,8,9) from outside Government laboratory or from
lab accredited by Accreditation agency as per extant guideline issued by RDSO
or National Test House or Regional Test Centre (RTC), if required at any stage.
The latest version of IS: 228 Part - 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 should therefore be available with
the firm.

2.2 A reference to the specifications quoted herein shall be taken as reference from
the latest edition of the specification concerned.

2.3 The specific provision in this specification will over ride those in the above
specifications, where these are not in conformity with one another. Any special
requirements given in the drawing of the clips will over ride the relevant
provisions of this specification.

2.4 RDSO drawings relevant to the clip under production should be available for
reference at the manufacturer’s works.

3 RAW MATERIAL PROCUREMENT:

Quality Assurance/Mechanical Directorate of RDSO approves vendors for Spring

Steel Round to grade 55 Si7 to IS: 3195. Spring Steel Round shall be procured
from these vendors only. Vendors list are regularly updated by QA / Mechanical
Dte. of RDSO. It can be accessed through RDSO website
www.rdso.indianrailways.gov.in

3
4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RAW MATERIAL:

4.1 Silico Manganese spring steel as rolled bars to Grade 55 Si7 of IS: 3195-1992
shall be used in the manufacture of clips. The technical specification of as rolled
steel bars relate to supply condition of the bars in the as rolled and straightened
condition for hot forming.

4.2 Manufacturing process for steel

4.2.1 Steel making through basic oxygen, electric arc process shall be employed and
steel made through open hearth route shall not be used. The steel shall be
refined in the ladle furnace and vacuum degassed before using continuous
process. The continuous casting machine should have the facility of
electromagnetic stirring.

4.2.2 The size of ingots, billets or continuous cast billets for any given size of finished
steel product shall be such that a minimum reduction ratio of 16:1 from the
minimum crosssectional area of the ingot billet or continuous cast billets to the
maximum crosssectional area of the product is ensured.

4.3 Chemical Composition:

The ladle analysis of the steel for the as rolled bars shall conform to following
chemical composition as given in IS: 3195-1992 for grade 55 Si7 when tested
spectrographically.

4.3.1 Ladle analysis

Carbon 0.50 - 0.60%
Manganese 0.80 - 1.00%
Silicon 1.50 - 2.00%
Sulphur 0.03(max.) %
Phosphorus 0.03(max.) %

4.3.2 Product analysis:

The variation for the product analysis shall be within the following permissible
range over ladle sample analysis and Permissible variations shall not be
applicable both over and under the specified limits in several determinations in a
heat:

Element Permissible variation

Carbon ± 0.03%
Manganese ± 0.04%
Silicon ± 0.05%
Sulphur + 0.005%
Phosphorus + 0.005%

4
4.4. Grain Size:
The grain size of as rolled bars shall be 6 or finer as per IS: 4748-2009.

4.5 Inclusion Rating:

The inclusion rating when determined as per IS: 4163-2004 shall not be worse
than 2.0 (thin) and 2.0 (thick) A, B, C, D as per IS: 4163-2004.
4.6 Hardness:
The hardness of as rolled bars when tested in accordance with IS: 1500-2005,
the average of three readings shall be approximately 270 HBW or its equivalent
in HRC or HV scales. This value is for general guidance only.

4.7 Depth of decarburization:

The average total depth of decarburization (partial + complete) tested in
accordance with IS: 6396-2000 with magnification of x100 of 5 deepest
decarburized zones shall not be more than 0.15 mm.

4.8 Freedom from defects

4.8.1 The surface of the as rolled bars shall be reasonably smooth and free from
distortion, twist and kinks, and shall be substantially straight.

4.8.2 The as rolled bars shall be free from harmful defects namely folds, laps, cracks,
deep pits, grooves, excessive scaling which may lead to cracking during
hardening or impair the serviceability. Permissible depth of seam and lap in the
rolled bar shall be d/100 or 0.25 mm whichever is less (d is bar diameter). It shall,
however, to be ensured that during the inspection of the raw material, a strict vigil
is maintained and the raw material is purchased by the manufacturers as stated
in clause 3 only. The material shall be free from harmful internal defects, such as
piping and segregation which may impair serviceability.

4.9 Section:
Section of as rolled bars shall be as per order. The tolerance on the diameter
shall be + 1.0% and -0.8%.

4.10 Marking:

4.10.1 The bars supplied shall be distinctly marked with paint or sticker at the extreme
ends with different colours to be related with the heat number of material by
which steel may be traced to the cast from which it has been made. The bars of
different heats shall not be mixed up and shall be stored in stacks heat wise.

5
4.10.2 The bars should be supplied in bundles tied with binding wires and also with
packing strips (18-33 mm width) at minimum three locations having
manufacturer’s seal/name/logo/code. In addition, a metal tag shall also be
provided with each bundle bearing the details of firm (code, name etc), PO No.,
Heat No., date, grade, size and length.

4.11 Test certificate and raw material checking:

4.11.1 The test certificate from the producer of steel bars showing the followingshould
be available with the manufacturer.

(i) Heat number & Grade

(ii) Colour code
(iii) Chemical analysis
(iv) Inclusion rating
(v) Grain size
(vi) Depth of decarburization (C, P&T)
(vii) Freedom from harmful defects
(viii) Section
(ix) Hardness
(x) Weight of consignment.

The above particulars shall be furnished by the manufacturer for each heat of the
raw material whenever requested by the inspecting agency.

4.11.2 The bars shall be checked by the manufacturer for the properties (iii) to (ix) of
para 4.11.1 above at the rate of two sample bars per heat, (except for the
diameter of the bar) and 20 sample bars per heat for the diameter. The
observations shall be recorded in the proforma given in Annexure-I &
Annexure-II respectively and shall be compared with the test certificate and shall
be examined for acceptability with respect to specification for raw material before
its use in the manufacture of clips. The chemical analysis (% value) of elements
of raw material is mentioned in the Test Certificate of raw material supplier.
When this chemical analysis (% value) of elements of raw material / finished
product is verified / checked by the inspecting agency / firm, then the observed
values shall not vary from the supplier’s test certificate (ladle analysis) value
beyond the permissible limits given in clause 4.3.2 for acceptance of that heat.

4.11.3 Inspection of raw material is mandatory for inspecting officials. The manufacturer
of product shall be allowed only after inspection of raw material by inspecting
authority. It shall be the responsibility of the firm to get the raw material inspected
before its use for production of clips.

6
5. MANUFACTURE OF CLIPS:

5.1 The clips, except for ERC Mk-V shall be manufactured from as rolled silico-
manganese spring steel rounds as per technical specification (reference Para 4)
by hot forming and shall be subsequently oil hardened and tempered to give
uniform hardness across the section. The clips shall conform to the requirements
of the relevant drawing and tests stipulated hereinafter. For ERC Mk-V, inter alia,
the clips shall be manufactured by using 23mm dia. rod of material specified in
clause 4.1 to keep the central leg portion fit to be used with existing design of
sleeper, diameter in the central leg portion shall be reduced to 20.64mm. This
shall be achieved by precise profiling using machines like Hydro copying turning
machine to avoid sharp edges/curves.

5.2 The cut bars shall also be subjected to 100% crack detection by Magnetic
Particle Crack Detector Machine as per IS 3703: 2004 before using them into
production to ensure that the cut bars are free from harmful seams and other
defects. Removal of surface seams by grinding shall be done provided the cut
bar meets the specified limits of dimensional tolerances. The observations shall
be recorded in the proforma given in Annexure-II A.

5.3 Marking:
All the firms have been given code for inscription of stamps. All clips shall bear
clear inscription of stamp at the heel of the clip to indicate manufacturers initial,
the last one digit of the year of manufacture and the lot number of the year.
Example: AE9
1
AE Firms initial
9 last digit of year of manufacture
1 Lot No.

6. LOT AND SAMPLE SIZE FOR TESTING

6.1 For the purpose of testing the number of clips manufactured from the same heat
and heat treated in similar manner will form one lot. The clips inspected by
RDSO should be distinctly identifiable in the field. For ERC Mk-III & ERC Mk-V, a
mark is to be made at the end face of straight leg with yellow paint and green
paint respectively of approved quality, before giving one coat of boiled linseed oil
as per clause 9 of specification.

6.2 For Hardness test, dimensional check and toe load tests, the sample size and
the acceptance and rejection numbers for Inspection Level IV and AQL of 1.5%
shall be as per IS: 2500 (Part I) - 2000 and reproduced in Annexure- III of this
standard.
7
 For “Application & Deflection” test, all clips shall be driven at least one time into
the application deflection block (RT-3745 Alt.1/RT-4710) and results shall be
recorded in Annexure - X of this standard.

6.3 For chemical analysis, depth of decarburization, freedom from defect,

examination of microstructure and inclusion rating, the sample size shall be as
given under relevant clause.

6.4 The test samples for different tests shall be drawn at random from each lot.

6.5 The clips shall be offered for inspection as per letter given in Annexure-IV.

7. TESTS:

7.1 Chemical analysis:

One sample clip drawn from the production of each lot shall be tested for
chemical analysis spectrographically for determination of Carbon, Silicon,
Manganese, Sulphur and Phosphorus. The sample shall conform to the
requirement of chemical composition stipulated in Para 4.11.2. If the chemical
composition does not conform to the specified chemical composition, the lot shall
be rejected.

7.2 Hardness test:

The sample clips shall be tested for Hardness in accordance with IS: 1586 (Part
2) - 2018 “Rockwell Hardness Test (B&C Scales) for steels’ or IS: 1501 (Part-I) –
2020 (Fifth Revision) “Vickers Hardness Test for Steel” or IS: 1500-2005 “Brinell
Hardness Test for Steel” and shall conform to the following requirements as the
case may be:

Hardness Hardness Number

HRC 40-44
HV 380-435
HBW 375-415

7.3 Decarburisation Test

7.3.1 For decarburization test, the sample clips shall be microscopically examined at
magnification x100 for decarburization as per IS: 6396-2000. The average total
depth of decarburization (partial + complete) of five deepest decarburized zones
of each sample clip shall not be more than d/100 or 0.25mm whichever is less for
acceptance of material where ‘d’ is bar dia.

8
7.3.2 Sample size will be 5% of that for Hardness Test, and the sample clips drawn
accordingly will constitute the first sample.

7.3.3 All the sample clips tested in the first sample must pass the test for acceptance
of the lot. In case, more than one clip fails, the lot will be rejected. If only one clip
fails in the first sample, a second sample of clips will be drawn such that the
sample size is twice the sample size of the first sample. All the clips in the
second sample of clips should be tested and each clip should pass the test for
acceptance of the lot, i.e. in case one clip fails the lot will be rejected.

7.4 Freedom from Defects

7.4.1 Sample clips will be checked for freedom from defects and should be free from
harmful surface defects such as seams, laps, rough or jagged and imperfect
edges. The sample clips shall also be examined for the heterogenity of steel and
freedom from internal defects by the micro-etching process as per IS: 7739 (Part
5) 1976.

7.4.2 Sampling of clips and acceptance / rejection of the lot for freedom from defects
will be as per 7.3.2 and 7.3.3 above.

7.4.3 Examination of Micro Structure:

7.4.3.1 Sample clips shall be microscopically examined for microstructure. Sample

prepared for micro examination shall be etched with 2% nital. Microstructure of
the clip should reveal tempered martensite structure across the section excluding
the decarburized layer at 500X / 1000X magnification.

7.4.3.2 Sample size will be 5% of that for hardness test and the sample clips drawn
accordingly will constitute the first sample. Samples thus drawn for
microstructure examination will be the same as selected for decarburization test
and decarburization test samples shall also be examined for microstructure.

7.4.3.3 All the sample clips tested in the first sample must pass the test for acceptance
of the lot. In case, more than one clip fails, the lot will be rejected. If only one clip
fails in the first sample, a second sample of clips will be drawn such that the
sample size is twice the sample size of the first sample. All the clips in the
second sample of clips should be tested and each clip should pass the test for
acceptance of the lot i.e. in case one clip fails the lot will be rejected. Test result
of samples of ERCs taken for microstructure examination shall be recorded in
Annexure-VII.

9
7.5 Inclusion Rating:

7.5.1 Minimum sample size required for the test shall be six. The sample clips of the
decarburization test and additional samples required to make up the number to
six, depending upon the lot size, shall be taken up for testing for inclusion rating.
The inclusion rating in the material of clips when determined as per IS: 4163-
2004 shall not be worse than 2.0 (thin) and 2.0 (thick) A, B, C, D as per IS: 4163-
2004.

7.6 Dimensions:

7.6.1 The sample clips shall be checked for the dimensions by means of inspection
gauges as per RDSO drawings, and shall meet with requirement of dimensions
and tolerance as provided in the drawings of Inspection gauges.

7.6.2 The sample clips shall also be examined for the flat bearing lengths of the major
& minor axis of toe of the clip with the rail flange in the rail seat assembly or in
fixture, which deflects the clip to the same extent as in the rail fastening
assembly. For this purpose, the major and minor axis of the elliptical contact
surface shall be measured to meet the requirements given in Annexure-V. For
ensuring that the flat toe bearing area of the toe of the clip with rail flange slope
surface at the major and minor axis, a filer 0.05mm thick shall not pass under the
toe of clip along the major and minor axis of the clip. In case of ERC-J, the clips
shall be examined in a similar way as indicated above, but for the bearing length
of the toe on rail seat which shall be between 15-20mm.

7.7 Application and Deflection Test:

The sample clips shall be tested by driving into a fixture i.e. (Application
Deflection Block as per relevant clip RDSO drg.) through horizontal pushing by
Hydraulic Jack or Power Press or using any suitable arrangement, which deflects
the clip to the same extent as in the rail fastening assembly. The clips shall then
be removed from the fixture and this process is to be repeated successively
thrice. On 3rd drive clips to be checked for flat bearing length as per clause 7.6.2
and for Toe Load as per clause 7.8.

7.8 Toe load test:

The sample clips shall be tested for load, with the help of toe load testing
arrangement approved by purchaser / inspecting agency orusing application
deflection block of approved drawing at UTM of sufficient capacity. The toe load
values of the different clips shall comply with the requirements shown in
Annexure-V. The clips shall then be checked for compliance with the dimensions
and tolerances as per clause 7.6.1

10
7.9 Fatigue Test:

Four sample clips shall be tested for fatigue test, as per test scheme enclosed as
Annexure XII.

This test shall be carried out in case of complaint/ reference from the user or any
similar potent reason (on need basis only) as decided by RDSO at the cost of
firm. Fatigue testing shall be done in RDSO or Government laboratory or from lab
accredited by Accreditation agency as per extant guideline issued by RDSO or
National Test House or Regional Test Center (RTC), as per fatigue scheme
enclosed as Annexure XII.

7.10 Stress Test:

This test shall be carried out at RDSO, only at the time of initial approval of firm
in the category of Developmental Vendors. Out of eight samples, four sample
clips having higher toe load shall be tested for stress test as per test scheme
enclosed as Annexure - XIV. The value of the stress in the clip shall not be more
than 148 Kg/mm2.

8. FINAL INSPECTION / TESTING & DOCUMENTATION:

The manufacturer shall carry out the final inspection and testing internally in
accordance with the plan of testing given under ‘Tests’ clause 7 above except
clause 7.9 Fatigue Test & 7.10 Stress test, and shall maintain the records as per
Annexure-VI to XI to ensure that the clips have passed inspection criteria.

9. PROTECTION:

After inspection and approval, the clips shall be cleaned off all rust and protected
with one coat of boiled Linseed oil as per IS: 77-1976 or any other rust
preventing compound approved by the purchaser.

10. PACKING:

10.1 The clips shall be packed in double gunny bags / polythene bags, each bag
containing 50 clips. In the consignment to be sent by the manufacturer, not more
than one gunny bag / polythene bags shall be filled with less than 50 clips which
should be clearly mentioned by the manufacturer in the dispatch particulars
giving the bag numbers (as painted thereon) and number of clips. The packing
shall be sound to ensure that there is no loss or damage to the clips during
transit.

10.2 The gunny bags / polythene bags should not have any exterior stitching
whatsoever, except for the edge to be sealed. The hesian thread used for
11
 stitching the gunny bag / polythene bag edge should be free from any knots
except at the sealing point.

11. TEST FACILITIES:

The manufacturer shall be required to install all the necessary test facilities for
inspection of clips in separate well lit, clean and properly ventilated laboratory
room provided with easily maintainable floor and platform.

12. INSPECTION GAUGES:

The inspection gauges for dimensional check should conform to RDSO drawings.
The manufacturer shall submit two sets of inspection gauges for the approval of
Inspecting officer. Out of these, one set of inspection gauges shall be used as
master gauge and shall be preserved safely by the clip manufacturer. The
second set shall be used by the Inspecting Officer. For internal quality checks,
the firm should use an additional set of gauges as per RDSO’s gauge drawing.

13. DISPOSAL OF REJECTED CLIPS:

The rejected clips shall be cut in two pieces by the manufacturer using oxy-
acetylene flame and shall then be disposed of as scrap.

14. GENERAL

14.1 The manufacturer shall furnish, at his cost, the clips required for all tests and
shall also provide necessary man-power and facilities for carrying out tests at his
works.

14.2 Purchaser/Inspecting officer shall have free access to the works of manufacturer
at all reasonable times and shall be at liberty to inspect the manufacture at any
stage and to call for any records, pertaining to manufacture, which shall be made
available to him within reasonable time.

12
 1
S. No

3
2
Colour)
Date

Source of raw material

Name & Trade mark

Remarks
Certificate No.
Name of the firm: M/s

A
Cast/Heat No.

(e.g)
Colour code (heat wise)

Red

Green
Yellow

Other
(or any
Quantity

S
1
1

1
2
2

S
Sample No

Remarks
Remarks
C

Si

13
Mn

S
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS (%)

P
CHECKING OF RAW MATERIAL

GRAIN SIZE

INCLUSION RATING

HARDNESS

DEPTH OF DE-CARB.

FREEDOM FROM
DEFECTS

ACCEPTED OR
NOT ACCEPTED

SIGNATURE OF LAB
SUPERVISOR WITH DATE
Annexure-I
IRST-31- 2021
 S.No

Date

2.
1.
Source of
raw material
Name &
Trade mark

A
Certificate
Name of the firm: M/s

No.
Cast/Heat

Red
No.

Yellow
Colour code

5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1

Quantity

Remarks
Remarks Sample No

Dia (mm)
9
8
7
6
9
8
7
6

10
10

Sample No

Dia (mm)

14
Sample No.
15
14
13
12
11
15
14
13
12
11
(Dimensions)

Dia(mm)
CHECKING OF RAW MATERIAL

20
19
18
17
16
20
19
18
17
16

Sample No

Dia(mm)

Acce[ted or
not accepted

Signature of
Supervisor
IRST-31- 2021
Annexure-II
 Annexure-II A
IRST-31- 2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(MAGNETIC PARTICLE TEST)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. Date of of of Lot Quantity No of Remarks Accepted Signature

No checking Cast Colour No of cut Samples or not of
Heat code bars checked accepted supervisor
No. (Nos) (100%).
A Yellow P

15
 ANNEXURE-III
IRST-31- 2021
DOUBLE SAMPLING AQL PLANS FOR NORMAL INSPECTION
GENERAL INSPECTION LEVEL-II
(ref: Table 1 of IS:2500 Part 1-2000)

Lot size Sample size code Sample Sample Cumulative Accepted quality level percent,
letter size sample size defectives – 1.5
Acceptance Rejection
number number
(a) ®
First 20 20 0 2
151-280 G
Second 20 40 1 2
H First 32 32 0 3
281-500
Second 32 64 3 4
J First 50 50 1 3
501-1200
Second 50 100 4 5
K First 80 80 2 5
1201-3200
Second 80 160 6 7
L First 125 125 3 6
3201-10000
Second 125 250 9 10
M First 200 200 5 9
10001-35000
Second 200 400 12 13
N First 315 315 7 11
35001-150000
Second 315 630 18 19
Notes:

i) In the first sample if the numbers of failed pieces are equal to the acceptance number (a), the lot shall
be accepted.
ii) If the failed pieces exceeds the acceptance number (a) but is less than the number given under
column ®, the second sample should be considered.
iii) If the cumulative failed pieces equal or exceed the rejection number ®, the lot shall be rejected. The
cumulative failed pieces are the total number of failed pieces in the first and second samples.

16
 Annexure-IV
IRST-31- 2021

No. Date
(Address of Inspection Agency)

Dear Sirs,

Sub: …….. Railway Purchase Order No………………….dt…………..

For manufacture and supply of……………..clips to
Drg.no.RDSO/T……………Alt.

Clips as per the following details are offered for inspection. The clips have been
internally checked as per drg. no………..& IRST-31-2021 and found satisfactory.

The test results have been mentioned in the proforma prescribed in the RDSO
Specification No.IRST-31-2021.

It is requested to please undertake the Inspection

1. Instalment No.
2. Qty.on order
3. Qty. previously inspected & passed.
4. Qty.offered for inspection
5. Lot No./Batch Nos.
6. Corresponding Cast/Heat No. of raw material & its source of procurement.
7. Rate
8. Delivery period
9. Marking on clips
10. Packing
11. Consignee
12. Consignee authority letter reference (copy enclosed)
13. Test certificate No. of raw material

Thanking you,
.
Yours faithfully,

(Signature with date)

Name:

17
 Annexure-V
IRST-31- 2021

TOE-LOAD, TOE-DEFLECTION, WEIGHT & FLAT BEARING CONTACT LENGTH OF DIFFERENT ELASTIC RAIL CLIPS

Drawing No. Type of clip Dia (mm) Approximate Toe Toe load Contact of surface for
(tolerances as per weight of clip (kg.) deflection range flat toe clips clause
clause 4.9) (indicative) (mm) (kg) 7.6.2
Clause 7.8 Major axis Minor axis
(mm) (mm)
minimum minimum
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9
RDSO/T-1892 ERC round toe 20.64 1.0 11.4 645-800 -- --
RDSO/T-3700 ERC flat toe 20.64 1.0 11.4 645-800 28 9.5
RDSO/T-3701 ERC Mk-III flat toe 20.64 0.91 13.5 850-1100 28 9.5
RDSO/T-3722 ERC Mk-II Flat toe 18.0 0.60 11.2 700-900 20 8
RDSO/T-5919 ERC Mk-V 23.00 and 20.64 1.14 (rod) and 13.5 1200-1500 28 9.5
for central leg portion 1.08 (clip)
RDSO/T-8258 ERC-J 20.64 0.915 8.5 650 (Min.) Bearing length
15-20mm

18
 Annexure-VI
IRST-31- 2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(CHEMICAL ANALYSIS)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. Of Of Lot Quantity Sample Chemical Analysis (%) Remarks Accepted Signature

No Cast Colour No (in nos.) No. or not of
Heat code C Si Mn S P accepted supervisor
No.
A Yellow P 1

19
 Annexure-VII
IRST-31- 2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(Inclusion rating, Depth of Decarb& Freedom from Defects)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. Of Of Lot Quantity Sample Sample Depth of Inclusion Micro Freedom Remarks Signature
No Cast Colour No (in nos.) Size. No. Decarb, not rating (not structure from of of
Heat code more than worse than defects supervisor supervisor
No. d/100 or 2 thin & 2.0 accepted
max thick or not
0.25mm A,B,C,D) accepted
which ever
less
1.
2
3.
4.
5.
6.

20
 Annexure-VIII
IRST-31- 2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(Hardness)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. of Cast of Lot Quantity Sample Hardness values No.of Cumulative Remarks

No Heat Colour No (in nos.) Size. 40-44 HRC Defectives No.of
No. code 380-435 HV Defectives
375-415 HBW
A Yellow P 2000 80 44,42,43,44,45,46 2 Accepted
(e.g.) (e.g.) (e.g.) ---upto80 values

21
 Annexure-IX
IRST-31- 2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(Dimensions)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. of Cast of Lot Quantity Sampl Main gauge Falling in Gauges Flat No.of. No. Remarks
No Heat Colour No (in nos.) e Size. acceptance bearing Defectiv of
No. code Yes/No Go No Go length es cumulative
Dimension Dimension clause defective
7.6.2

1 A Yellow P 2000 80 Yes 2 Accepted

22
 Annexure-X
IRST-31- 2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(Application & Deflection Test)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. of Cast of Lot Quantity Sample No.of Cumulative Remarks

No Heat Colour No (in nos.) Size. Defectives No.of
No. code Defectives

1 A Yellow P 2000 80 3 - Go for double sampling

80 3 6 Accepted

23
 Annexure-XI
IRST-31-2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(Toe load Test)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. of Cast of Lot Quantity Sample Toe load No.of Cumulative Remarks

No Heat Colour No (in nos.) Size. values (Kg.) Defectives No.of
No. code Defectives

1 A Yellow P 2000 80 Upto 80 5 - Rejected

values

24
 Annexure-XII
IRST-31- 2021

PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING FATIGUE TEST

1. The fatigue test for ERC including all components of fastening system shall be
carried out on complete PSC sleeper as per arrangement given below:-

LOADING ARRANGEMENT FOR FATIGUE TESTING OF ERC

WITH FULL CONCRETE SLEEPER
(Rail head to be cut at angle to maintain the L/V ratio)

2. The scheme of the loading and records of test will be as under:-

(A)Scale of Loading:

Stage-I 2 million cycles at frequency of 300/minute (L/V ratio = 0.4)

Vertical load between (V) = 9.375t (max) - 0.5t (min)
Lateral load between (L) = 3.75t (max) - 0.2t (min)

Stage-II 0.5 million cycles at frequency of 300/minute (L/V ratio = 0.62)

Vertical load between (V) = 9.375t (max) - 0.5t (min)
Lateral load between (L) = 5.81t (max) - 0.31t (min)

(B) Records:

SN. Before Fatigue Test

Clip No. Initial toe load Toe gap Visual

SN. After Fatigue Test

Clip No. toe load Toe gap Visual

25
 Annexure-XIII
IRST-31- 2021

600.0

PULL WITH RATCHET AND

PINION ARRANGEMENT

600 X 450 X 30

30

450
30DIA.
30DIA. (2 NO.)
(2 NO.)

600

PROVING RING

LIFTING LINK

600 X 450 X 40 40

SN CLIP DRG. NO . FIXTURE DRG. NO .

1 RDSO/T-3700 RDSO/T-3743

2 RDSO/T-3722 RDSO/T-3744

3 RDSO/T-3701 RDSO/T-3745

4 RDSO/T-4054 RDSO/T-3745

5 RDSO/T-5919 RDSO/T-3745

6 RDSO/T-8258 RDSO/T-4710

ARRANGEMENT FOR TOE LOAD MEASUREMENTS

OF ELASTIC RAIL CLIP
(Based on Drawing no. EDO/T-2135)

Fig-1

26
 Annexure-XIV
IRST-31-2021

1. The stress test shall be conducted only if all the eight clips are conforming to clause
7.6.2, 7.7 &7.8 during initial sample test for fresh vendor registration.
2. In the set of the eight ERCs, 50% of the clips (i.e. four clips) having higher toe load
value will be selected for stress test.
3. Critical location where strain gauges are to be fixed as shown in figure, shall be
cleaned for surface preparation.

Critical location
(Inner side of 1st bend)

4. Strain gauge has to be mounted at the critical location in the inner side at the 1st
bend of ERC where the maximum bend is available.
5. Instrumentation work, proper curing, wiring and weather proofing of strain gauges
will be done.
6. Lead wires of strain gauge, mounted on the clip shall be connected to strain
recorder equipment and by making wheat-stone bridge assessment of the strain in
the clip is done.
7. Engage the strain gauge mounted clip in the free movement fixture and house the
assembly in the Universal Testing Machine frame.
8. Adjust zero on the universal testing machine
9. Calibration of channel of strain recorder to be done.
10. Clip will be lifted by applying the load through Universal Testing Machine up to
known toe-load (the load of the same clip) and the corresponding reading of strain
in graph will be recorded.
11. Load applied on the clip will be released.
12. Recording of strain shall be carried out three times by applying the known toe load
of the clip.
13. Average of the three readings of strain will be calculated.
14. Stresses shall be calculated as per standard formula

Stress = Young’s Modulus x Strain.

The value of Young’s Modulus is taken as 2.11 x104 Kg/mm2

27
 Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

Corrigendum No. 1
of
Indian Railways Standards Specification
For
Elastic Rail Clips
Serial No. T-31-2021

The existing Para 4.9, 6.2, 7.6.1 & Annexure-V of this specification have been reworded and
new Para 7.11 & Annexure-XV has been added and shall be as under.

Para: 4.9

Section of as rolled bars shall be as per order. The tolerance on the diameter of as rolled
bars for 20.64mm & 23mm is as under:

For dia. 20.64 mm: 20.47 mm to 20.84mm

For dia. 23 mm: 22.81mm to 23.23mm

The measurement of diameter shall be carried out with the help of Vernier calliper with a
digital display.

Para: 6.2

For Hardness test, dimensional check, toe load tests and weight test, the sample size
and the acceptance and rejection numbers for Inspection Level IV and AQL of 1.5%
shall be as per IS: 2500 (Part I) - 2000 and reproduced in Annexure- III of this standard.

For “Application & Deflection” test, all clips shall be driven at least one time into the
application deflection block (RT-3745 Alt.1/RT-4710) and results shall be recorded in
Annexure - X of this standard.

Para: 7.6.1

The sample clips shall be checked for the dimensions by means of inspection gauges as
per RDSO drawings, and shall meet with requirement of dimensions and tolerance as
provided in the drawings of Inspection gauges. The dia. of front arch position of ERC
shall be checked by Vernier calliper with a digital display in two perpendicular directions
of the ERC at front arch and average value shall not be less than 20.47mm for ERC Mk-
III & ERC-J and 22.81 for ERC Mk-V

Para: 7.11

The sample clips shall be checked for the weight by means of digital weighing machine,
and shall meet with requirement of weight as given in Annexure-V

Page 1 of 3
 Annexure-V
IRST-31- 2021

TOE-LOAD, TOE-DEFLECTION, WEIGHT & FLAT BEARING CONTACT LENGTH OF DIFFERENT ELASTIC RAIL CLIPS

Drawing No. Type of clip Dia (mm) Minimum Toe Toe load Contact of surface for
(tolerances as per weight of clip (g) deflection range flat toe clips clause
clause 4.9) (mm) (kg) 7.6.2
Clause 7.8 Major axis Minor axis
(mm) (mm)
minimum minimum
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9
RDSO/T-1892 ERC round toe 20.64 - 11.4 645-800 -- --
RDSO/T-3700 ERC flat toe 20.64 - 11.4 645-800 28 9.5
RDSO/T-3701 ERC Mk-III flat toe 20.64 904 13.5 850-1100 28 9.5
RDSO/T-3722 ERC Mk-II Flat toe 18.0 589 11.2 700-900 20 8
RDSO/T-5919 ERC Mk-V 23.00 and 20.64 1068 13.5 1200-1500 28 9.5
for central leg portion
RDSO/T-8258 ERC-J 20.64 904 8.5 650 (Min.) Bearing length
15-20mm
RDSO/T-6254 Anti Theft ERC 20.64 925 13.5 850-1100 28 9.5
&
RDSO/T-6255 Circlip - 10

Page 2 of 3
 Annexure-XV
IRST-31-2021

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

(Weight Test)

NAME OF THE FIRM M/s

S. of Cast of Colour Lot Quantity Sample weight (Kg.) No.of Cumulative Remarks
No Heat code No (in nos.) Size. Defectives No.of
No. Defectives

1 A Yellow P 2000 80 Upto 80 values 5 - Rejected

Page 3 of 3
 Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

Corrigendum No. 2 of Oct’ 2023

Indian Railways Standards Specification
For
Elastic Rail Clips
Serial No. T-31-2021

The existing clause 3 has been reworded as under and two new clauses 4.11A and 15 have been added
respectively.

3.0 RAW MATERIAL PROCUREMENT:

Spring Steel Rounds of grade 55 Si7 conforming to IS: 3195, for manufacture of Elastic Rail
Clips (ERCs), shall be procured from RDSO approved / developmental vendors only. Vendors
list can be accessed through website www.rdso.indianrailways.gov.in or www.ireps.gov.in

4.11A INSPECTION OF RAW MATERIAL (i.e. SPRING STEEL ROUNDS) AT THE PREMISES
OF PRODUCER OF SPRING STEEL ROUNDS:

The producer/manufacturer of spring steel rounds shall carry out the following tests and submit
the necessary test certificates/reports. Further, documents pertaining to the steel manufacture,
refining details, ingot shape and size of the rolled product, cropping yield etc. shall also be
submitted.

i) Heat number & Grade

ii) Colour code
iii) Chemical analysis
iv) Inclusion rating
v) Grain size
vi) Depth of decarburization (C, P&T)
vii) Freedom from harmful defects
viii) Section/Dimension
ix) Hardness
x) Weight of consignment.
xi) Reduction ratio

4.11A.1 While carrying out inspection of rolled bars the inspecting official would pay special attention
to following:

a) Size of ingots/billets used as verified from the records of the steel manufacturer.
b) Dressing of complete billet by general surface grinding and freedom from surface
defects.
c) Discarding of end portions at both ends of each billet and freedom from piping.
d) The size of ingot used shall be checked, recorded and verified that minimum reduction
ratio 16:1 is ensured for the rolled bars offered for inspection.

4.11A.2 The inspecting official shall carry out the tests of properties mentioned in Para 4.11A (iii) to (ix),
as per sampling plan given in Para 4.11A.5 of this document and maintain records. He may draw

Page 1 of 5
 any additional number of samples and carry- out tests at his discretion. He shall also have the
right to cross check any of the above parameters by actual tests at his discretion and at the cost of
the spring steel manufacturer.

4.11A.3 The inspecting official shall examine various registers and records maintained by the spring steel
manufacturer to verify heat wise checks carried out on various parameters and manufacturing
practices like production of ingots with wide end up and hot top cropping of each ingot/primary
rolled billet etc.

4.11A.4 Records for all the above tests shall be made available for scrutiny of inspecting official. Samples
of the above test shall be preserved for atleast 3 months for counter check by inspecting official.

4.11A.5 Sampling (Random) of Spring Steel Rounds shall be as follows:

SN Items Relevant Sampling

Specification
1. Chemical Analysis IS:228 2 bars per heat
2. Hardness IS:1500 10 bars per heat.
3. Macro Examination IS:7739 0.5% subject to minimum of 5 bars per
heat.
4. Depth of IS:6396 3 bars per heat
Decarburisation
5. Inclusion Content. IS:4163 3 bars per heat
6. Grain size. ASTM-E112 3 bars per heat
7. Visual checks for IS:3195 2% of black bars per heat.
defects.
8. Verification of IS:3195 5 bars per heat
dimensional tolerance

4.11A.6 Inspecting official may pick up two samples per 250 tonnes of material offered or part thereof and
send the same to NABL accredited labs for confirmatory test for chemical and metallurgical
properties at Spring Steel Manufacturer's expense. This test should not form part of purchase
acceptance test but will only serve as a counter check on Spring Steel Manufacturer's quality
control practice.

4.11A.7 Rejection: In case the material offered for inspection fails to meet any of the requirements laid
down in specification, twice the size of the original sample shall be drawn and tested for the
parameters in which the original sample had failed. If one or both the retest samples fail, the
complete heat shall be treated as failed. The manufacturer shall then undertake to render the heat
unserviceable for Railways’ use.

4.11A.8 Procedure of Inspection of Raw material i.e. spring steel rounds of dia 20.64mm/23mm of grade
55Si7 conforming to IS: 3195

a) The inspection shall be carried out by the RDSO.

b) Raw material manufacturer has to submit an advance intimation in writing, at least 15 days
prior to their rolling schedule to RDSO, so that the inspecting officials can be nominated by
RDSO accordingly.
c) The Raw material manufacturer can offer the entire/partial quantity rolled or planned to roll
for inspection.

Page 2 of 5
 d) The raw material manufacturer shall offer the spring steel round bars, size wise and heat wise
for inspection.
e) The inspecting official will check all the parameters as per Para 4.11A.5 above and certify the
manufacturer’s test certificates (MTC) heatwise.
f) Inspecting official shall issue Inspection Certificates (ICs) for the offered round bars,
heatwise and shall paste a hologram on each bar.
g) The raw material manufacturer will then supply the certified material to ERC manufacturers
against their PO along with the certified true copy of manufacturer’s test certificates (MTC)
and certified true copy of IC.

15. Consignee End Inspection of ERCs

15.1 The Purchaser/Consignee or its nominated representative shall pick up and seal 02 sample sets per
lot in the presence of firm’s representative within 01 month after receipt the material (ERC) at the
consignee depot which shall be preserved in the consignee depot or nominated location for a
period of one year from the date of receipt of material. One sample set shall comprise of 30 nos.
ERCs picked randomly.

15.2 If the firm’s representative does not turn up within one month after receipt of material (ERC) at
the consignee end for joint sampling by Purchaser/Consignee, the sampling shall be done by
Purchaser/Consignee solely.

15.3 The sealed sample set can be got tested by the Purchaser/Consignee, from RDSO or NABL
accredited labs within 12 months from the date of receipt of material with the approval of an
officer not below the level of JAG of the concerned Zonal Railway or equivalent as per the
observation during field inspections / specific nature of complaint regarding performance of ERC.
14 nos. ERCs from the first sample set shall be tested for conformity as per following scheme:

No. of Test to be conducted for conformity

ERCs
14 Dimension
06 Hardness, depth of decarburization and freedom from surface defects
08 Toe-load, flat bearing area, application & deflection test

15.4 After decision for testing of samples, the supplier shall be informed to witness the test of first
sample set. Second sample shall be kept as standby as per the provisions of ISO Apex documents.

15.5 If the first sample set passes the tests, no further action will be needed. In case the first sample set
fails as per acceptance / rejection criteria, the corresponding lot shall be rejected. The
supplier/firm shall remove the rejected lot from the consignee depot at their own cost, but only
after the supplier/firm has reimbursed payments already made if any by Purchaser/Consignee or
an equivalent amount has been recovered for this purpose. However, the Purchaser/Consignee
shall not be liable to return the material that is already put into track and the supplier/firm shall
have no claim for compensation.

Page 3 of 5
15.6 The rejected lot shall be removed by the supplier/firm within 03 months of date of rejection
advice, failing which the Purchaser/Consignee shall not be liable to return the rejected lot and the
supplier/firm shall have no claim for compensation for such material. The rejected clips shall be
cut into two pieces by the supplier/firm using oxy-acetylene flame at their own cost before
removing the rejected clips from purchaser/consignee depot.

15.7 Financial recovery and Penal action shall be taken as per the provisions of ISO Apex documents
and Railway Board’s extant policy.

15.8 Acceptance / Rejection of the sample: The sample set will be subjected to the tests as per
Acceptance / Rejection criteria.

15.8.1 Dimension checking of ERC: (Defect and Non-conformity criteria)

Parameters Main Dia Major Minor Slip Slip Slip Slip Details Application
gauge . axis Axis gauge gauge gauge gauge at F Block
‘L’ ‘M’ ‘N’ ‘R’
Defect/Non D D NC NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
conformity
ERC no. 01
upto
ERC no. 14

- D: Defect, NC: Non-conformity

- All the 14 ERCs shall be checked for dimension.
- More than three NC in a piece will constitute a defect.
- More than 16 NC in the set will render the whole set defective
- Defect in more than one ERC in the whole set of 14 pieces will render the whole set as failed
and lot shall be rejected.
- After successful dimension test as per para 15.8.1, sample no. 1 to 8 will be tested for Toe
load, Application & Deflection and Flat bearing area

15.8.2 Toe load, Application & Deflection and Flat bearing area checking of ERC: 08 nos. ERCs
shall be checked for Toe load, Application & Deflection & Flat bearing area test

Parameters Toe load Application & Deflection test Flat bearing area
Whether Defect, if the Application test shall be done on each piece as Defect, if value is
Defect or NC value is per Para 7.7 of IRS/ T-31. beyond specified
beyond the Non-conformity during application test shall be value in Annexure-V
specified limit considered as a defect in any of the following of IRS/T-31 in more
as per conditions: - than three clips
Annexure-V of a) When any piece breaks during insertion or
IRS/T-31 in extraction in application block.
more than one b) When any piece cannot be driven into the
clip application block.
c) When any piece bounces back while driving
into application block.

ERC no. 01

upto
ERC no. 08

Page 4 of 5
 - After successful Toe load, Application & Deflection and Flat bearing area test as per para
15.8.2, ERC no. 01 to 06 will be tested for Metallurgical and chemical (M&C) tests.

15.8.3 Metallurgical and chemical (M&C) tests on ERC: 6 nos. ERCs shall be checked for
Hardness (HRC), depth of decarburization & surface condition

Parameters Hardness (HRC) Depth Surface condition

of decarburization
Whether Defect or Defect, if deviation are Defect, if any piece Defect, if non conformity with
NC beyond 2 on either side having value beyond para 7.4 of IRS T-31 in more
in more than one clip d/100 or 0.25mm. than one clip
ERC no. 01

upto
ERC no. 06

Page 5 of 5