EN 13232-1:2023

Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings for Vignole rails - Part 1: Definitions

This European Standard provides an accepted "terminology" for switch and crossing work. With the assistance of diagrams, the various components are given definitions, and these specific names are regarded as obligatory.
The definitions cover the constituent parts and design geometry of switch and crossing work, and include the movement of switches. Additional terminology of a more specific nature will be defined in the relevant part of the series.
The present definitions set out the terms most generally used for the geometrical form and the construction of switches and crossings, omitting those of too special a nature.

Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Weichen und Kreuzungen für Vignolschienen - Teil 1: Definitionen

Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Appareils de voie pour rails Vignole - Partie 1 : Définitions

Le présent document établit la terminologie couramment utilisée pour les appareils de voie. Les différents éléments sont définis à l'aide de figures et leurs dénominations spécifiques doivent être respectées.
Les définitions couvrent les constituants, ainsi que la géométrie conceptuelle des appareils de voie. Chaque partie de la série de normes fournit des termes et définitions supplémentaires plus spécifiques.
Les définitions fournies ci-après concernent les termes les plus couramment utilisés pour la forme géométrique et la construction des appareils de voie ; elles ne couvrent pas les cas plus spécifiques.

Železniške naprave - Zgornji ustroj proge - Kretnice in križišča za Vignolove tirnice - 1. del: Definicije

Ta evropski standard podaja sprejeto »terminologijo« za delo na kretnicah in križiščih. S pomočjo diagramov so podane definicije različnih sestavnih delov, pri čemer se tovrstno specifično poimenovanje šteje za obvezno.
Definicije zajemajo sestavne dele in geometrijo za projektiranje dela na kretnicah in križiščih ter vključujejo premikanje kretnic. Dodatna terminologija bolj specifične narave bo opredeljena v ustreznem delu skupine standardov.
Obstoječe definicije določajo izraze, ki se najpogosteje uporabljajo za geometrijsko obliko in konstrukcijo kretnic in križišč, pri čemer so izpuščeni izrazi preveč posebne narave.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 10-Oct-2023
• ICS: 01.040.93 - Civil engineering (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 93.100 - Construction of railways
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 256 - Railway applications
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 256/SC 1/WG 18 - Switches and crossings - Performance and acceptance
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 11-Oct-2023
• Due Date: 14-Apr-2021
• Completion Date: 11-Oct-2023
• Directive: 2008/57/EC - Directive 2008/57/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 on the interoperability of the rail system within the Community (Recast)
• Directive: 2016/797/EU - Directive (EU) 2016/797 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the interoperability of the rail system within the European Union (Text with EEA relevance)
• Mandate: M/483 - Mandate for programming and standardisation addressed to the European standardisation bodies under directive 2008/57/EC in the field of the interoperability of the rail system within the European Union
• Ref Project: SIST EN 13232-1:2023 - Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings for Vignole rails - Part 1: Definitions

Relations

• Replaces: EN 13232-1:2003 - Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings - Part 1: Definitions
• Effective Date: 18-Jan-2023

Overview - EN 13232-1:2023 (CEN)

EN 13232-1:2023, published by CEN, is the first part of the European series "Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings for Vignole rails." As Part 1: Definitions, it establishes the mandatory terminology and diagram-supported names for switch and crossing work on flat‑bottom (Vignole) rails. The standard is intended to be applied across CEN member states and supersedes EN 13232-1:2003.

Key topics and technical scope

This document focuses on clear, obligatory definitions used throughout the switch and crossing series. Key topics include:

• General track terms: running table, running surface, running plane, rail inclination, rail twist, gauge reference plane (z, typically 14 mm).
• Geometry and measurement: design track gauge, running edge, centre‑line of track, cant and equilibrium cant.
• Special trackwork definitions: switch and crossing work, switch toe, turnout, diamond crossing, interlaced and mixed‑gauge track.
• Turnouts and layout vocabulary: main line, branch line, right/left/equal‑split turnouts (RH/LH/S), tandem (three‑throw) arrangements, curved layouts (simiflex/contraflex, inside/outside curved turnouts).
• Components and functions: trap points, adjustment switches, constituent parts of switch and crossing assemblies and movement of switches.
• Use of diagrams to fix geometrical form and construction names - these names are obligatory for consistent design, manufacturing and documentation.

Practical applications and who uses it

EN 13232-1:2023 is a foundational reference for professionals involved with railway turnout and crossing design, construction, operation and maintenance:

• Track designers and civil engineers specifying layouts and tolerances
• Switch and crossing manufacturers and suppliers creating drawings and parts lists
• Railway infrastructure managers and asset owners standardizing procurement and maintenance procedures
• Signalling and safety engineers coordinating interfaces with actuation, locking and detection systems
• Maintenance crews and inspectors using consistent terminology for inspections and reporting Using a common vocabulary improves interoperability, reduces ambiguity in contracts and drawings, and supports Parts 2–9 of the series that define geometric design, wheel/rail interaction, actuation, specific equipment types and layouts.

Related standards (series)

This Part 1 terminology underpins the rest of the EN 13232 series:

• Part 2: Requirements for geometric design
• Part 3: Requirements for wheel/rail interaction
• Part 4: Actuation, locking and detection
• Part 5–8: Specific equipment (switches, fixed and movable crossings, expansion devices)
• Part 9: Layouts (functional & geometric dimensions and tolerances)

Keywords: EN 13232-1:2023, Vignole rails, switches and crossings, turnout terminology, railway track geometry, CEN standard, running table, gauge reference plane.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2023
Železniške naprave - Zgornji ustroj proge - Kretnice in križišča za Vignolove tirnice
- 1. del: Definicije
Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings for Vignole rails - Part 1:
Definitions
Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Weichen und Kreuzungen für Vignolschienen - Teil 1:
Definitionen
Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Appareils de voie - Partie 1: Définitions
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13232-1:2023
ICS:
01.040.45 Železniška tehnika (Slovarji) Railway engineering
(Vocabularies)
45.080 Tračnice in železniški deli Rails and railway
components
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 13232-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2023
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 01.040.93; 93.100 Supersedes EN 13232-1:2003
English Version
Railway applications - Track - Switches and crossings for
Vignole rails - Part 1: Definitions
Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Appareils de voie Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Weichen und
pour rails Vignole - Partie 1 : Définitions Kreuzungen für Vignolschienen - Teil 1: Definitionen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 January 2023.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13232-1:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
3.1 General definitions . 4
3.2 Definitions of special trackwork . 9
3.3 Definitions of terms in turnouts and diamonds . 12
3.4 Definitions of terms in layouts . 20
3.5 Definitions of constituent parts of switch and crossing work . 23
3.6 Documents . 24

European foreword
This document (EN 13232-1:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2024, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2024.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13232-1:2003.
This series of standards “Railway applications – Track – Switches and crossings for Vignole rails” covers
the design and quality of switches and crossings in flat bottomed rail. The list of Parts is as follows:
— Part 1: Definitions
— Part 2: Requirements for geometric design
— Part 3: Requirements for wheel/rail interaction
— Part 4: Actuation, locking and detection
— Part 5: Switches
— Part 6: Fixed common and obtuse crossings
— Part 7: Crossings with moveable parts
— Part 8: Expansion devices
— Part 9: Layouts
Part 1 contains terminology used throughout all parts of this series. Parts 2 to 4 contain basic design
guides and are applicable to all switch and crossing assemblies. Parts 5 to 8 deal with particular types of
equipment including their tolerances. These use Parts 1 to 4 as a basis. Part 9 defines the functional and
geometric dimensions and tolerances for layout assembly.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document provides an accepted terminology for switch and crossing work. With the assistance of
diagrams, the various components are given definitions, and these specific names are regarded as
obligatory.
The terms and definitions cover the constituent parts and design geometry of switch and crossing work.
Additional terminology of a more specific nature will be defined in the relevant part of the series.
The present definitions set out the terms most generally used for the geometrical form and the
construction of switches and crossings.
This document applies to railways running on Vignole rails.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. ISO and IEC maintain
terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 General definitions
3.1.1
customer
operator or user of the equipment
Note 1 to entry: This can sometimes be the purchaser of the equipment on the user's behalf.
3.1.2
supplier
body responsible for the use of this EN in response to the customer's requirements
3.1.3
contact area
those parts of the rail ensuring the support and/or guidance, inside or outside, of a wheel
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4.
3.1.4
running table
upper surface of the head of a rail
Note 1 to entry: see Figures 1 and 4

Key
1 running table
Figure 1
3.1.5
running surface
curved surface defined by the longitudinal displacement of a straight line perpendicular to the centre-
line of the track and tangential to both running tables
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 2
Figure 2
3.1.6
running plane
flat plane tangential to the running surface at the considered point
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4
3.1.7
rail inclination
angle measured as a tangent (e.g. 1 in 20) between the normal to the running surface and the y-y axis of
the rail
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 3.
Note 2 to entry: Rail head inclination may be achieved by inclining the rail as shown in Figure 3 or by inclining the
head profile only, for example by machining.

Key
1 y-y-axis
2 rail inclination
Figure 3
3.1.8
inclined track
where the axes of the two running rails are inclined towards each other
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4.
3.1.9
vertical track
where the axes of the two running rails are parallel, that is, have a rail inclination of zero
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4.
3.1.10
rail twist
change in inclination of the rail (e.g. from 1 in 20 to vertical)
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4.

Key
1 contact area 6 vertical rail
2 running table 7 gauge reference plane
3 running plane 8 running edge
4 inclined rail 9 design track gauge
5 rail twist
Figure 4
3.1.11
gauge reference plane
plane parallel to and below the running surface at a dimension “z”. This plane is used for all design
work, machining, and measurements
Note 1 to entry: see Figures 4 and 5.
Note 2 to entry: This dimension “z” is generally 14 mm.

a) b)
Key
z depth of gauge reference plane below running table
Figure 5
3.1.12
running edge
intersection of the gauge reference plane with the inside of the rail head
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4
3.1.13
design track gauge
nominal distance between the corresponding running edges of the two rails
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 4
3.1.14
centre-line of track
line midway between the running edges on straight track, and half design track gauge inside the
running edge of the larger radius rail in curved track
Note 1 to entry: see Figures 4 and 6
3.1.15
high-side rail
on curved track, the rail with the larger radius, i.e. centre-line radius plus half of design track gauge
3.1.16
low-side rail
on curved track, the rail with the smaller radius
3.1.17
gauge widening
intended increase in design track gauge. The radius of the low-side rail is decreased, and the distance
between the centre-line of track and the low-side rail is increased, by the amount of gauge widening
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 6
Key
1 gauge widening on sharp curves
2 A + gauge widening
3 A + gauge widening
G design track gauge
Figure 6
3.1.18
sleeper or bearer spacing
distance along the rails between the centre-lines of adjacent sleepers or bearers
3.1.19
cant
amount by which one running rail is raised above the other
Note 1 to entry: see Figure 7
Note 2 to entry: this is also sometime known as superelevation

Key
1 horizontal
2 cant (superelevation)
Figure 7
3.1.20
equilibrium cant
cant at a particular speed at which the vehicle will have a resultant force perpendicular to the running
plane
3.1.21
cant deficiency
difference between the applied cant on the track and a higher equilibrium cant
3.2 Definitions of special trackwork
3.2.1
switch and crossing work
trackwork ensuring the support and guidance of a vehicle along any given route among various
diverging or intersecting tracks
Note 1 to entry: Switches are in some circumstances described as points - either word is considered acceptable.
(English version only)
Note 2 to entry:
...