Adjustable Steady Arm for the Dutch B1 overhead line system
Within the Dutch B1 overhead line system, railway contractors are under increasing pressure to execute complex projects faster, safer, and with fewer failure costs. Shorter Track Possession Times (TVPs), declining availability of specialist knowledge, and heavy, labour-intensive installations make this a growing challenge. For Rhevolec, this presented a clear objective: develop an innovative solution that accelerates the installation of steady arms, reduces failure costs, and improves the working conditions of overhead line engineers, fully in line with the future vision of railway infrastructure manager ProRail.
The challenge
In practice, the custom fabrication of traditional steady arms proved to be a time-consuming and error-prone process. The precise measurement and assembly of traditional steady arms required specialist knowledge, which is under enormous pressure due to an ageing workforce. In addition, the heavy traditional construction placed a physical burden on engineers, and measurement errors regularly led to high failure costs. The market therefore called for a solution that is simpler, lighter, and more reliable, without compromising on quality and safety.
Specifications
- Adjustability per 25mm
- Maximum length up to 3,150mm
- Versions with hook and without hook
- Aluminium tube with pressed components
- No assembly work required
- Lightweight
- Extensively tested in accordance with SPC00092
- Subjected to a corrosion test
- Quality assurance through (tensile) testing prior to delivery (FAT)
- No failure costs
- Fast and easy installation
- Eye fitting insulator compatible with existing pivot hooks for steady arm attachment
- Including contact wire clamp
- Also suitable for 3kV overhead line systems
Optional
Art. no. Description
NRH03894 S-hook ø9mm rotated 90° for adjustable steady arm
Loose components
Art. no. Description
NRH23280 Single contact wire clamp
8980002 Spring retaining clip stainless steel A4 single 2.5x25/55mm DIN11024 for shaft Ø10mm
8903430 Washer stainless steel A4 M10 DIN125A / ISO-7089
8980000 Double-hole pin bolt 10X52-46-40 TP stainless steel A4
- 1
Eye fitting insulator compatible with existing pivot hooks for steady arm attachment
- 2
Suitable for 1.5kV and 3kV overhead line systems.
- 3
Aluminium tube with pressed components.
- 4
The steady arms are adjustable in 25mm increments.
- 5
The maximum length of the adjustable steady arm is 3,150mm.
- 6
The adjustable steady arm is available in versions with and without hook.
- 7
Including contact wire clamp.
- 1
What Rhevolec did
Rhevolec initiated an innovation process in which a deliberate choice was made for intensive collaboration with both the railway infrastructure manager and the executing party. Together with BAM Infra Nederland and technology partner Bonomi Eugenio SpA, existing technology was further developed and adapted to the specific Dutch requirements for overhead lines.
Feedback from practice formed the foundation for this process. To demonstrate functionality and reliability, extensive mechanical and electrical tests were carried out. In addition, the selected aluminium alloy was subjected to a corrosion test.
The outcome
The result is an adjustable steady arm that fully aligns with the Dutch B1 overhead line system. To validate the innovation in practice, ProRail designated a pilot location in Emmen-Zuid, where BAM installed the steady arms. Prior to the pilot, overhead line engineers completed a training at the Railcenter in Amersfoort.
The installation proceeded quickly and efficiently, without preparatory assembly work and with a clear reduction in installation time.
“Thanks to the adjustable steady arm, we can now install steady arms quickly and efficiently. The collaboration with Rhevolec was professional and results-driven.”
Henk de Groot – Project Manager, BAM Infra Nederland
Results in practice
Thanks to this product innovation, railway contractors can fully focus on the installation of overhead lines, without losing time on preparatory work. This results in time savings, lower failure costs, and a more efficient execution of projects within increasingly shorter TVPs (track possession times).
With the adjustable steady arm, Rhevolec takes a concrete step towards the future of overhead line construction in the Netherlands. By combining innovation with practical knowledge and a strong network of partners, Rhevolec makes a difference in quality, efficiency, and reliability.
Curious about what this innovation can mean for your projects? Contact us and we will be happy to discuss the possibilities.
About the client
ProRail is responsible for the Dutch railway network. Together with certified railway contractors and carriers, they work around the clock to ensure passengers and goods reach their destination safely and on time.
