A rail fish plate is a steel bar installed alongside the rail web to mechanically join two rail ends, creating structural continuity that allows vertical and lateral loads to pass across the joint without creating stress concentrations. It is essential in jointed track systems to maintain operational safety.
GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120 crane rails, QU70/80/100/120 crane rails, JIS rail types, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with full joint kits including bolts and washers.
Can fish plates be used in all rail types?
Fish plates (joint bars) are designed for broad utility across nearly all rail types, including light rail, heavy rail, crane rails, and metro systems. While they are highly versatile, they are not universal; specific, custom-engineered fish plates must be used to match the exact profile, weight, and hole pattern of the rail section.
Key Considerations for Fish Plate Application:
Rail Compatibility: Specific plates exist for different rail weights and standards (e.g., AREMA, UIC, BS, QU series).
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
Types of Fish Plates:
- Ordinary: For standard joints.
- Insulated: Used in signaled track circuits.
- Compromise: Designed to connect rails of different sizes or shapes.
- Performance Needs: High-strength, heat-treated plates are used for high-load or heavy-haul lines, whereas lighter, standard steel is used elsewhere.
| Type | Primary Function & Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Fish Plates | Connect rail ends of the same size, typically with 4 or 6 holes. Used for standard rail joints. |
| Insulated Fish Plates | Electrically isolate rail sections for signaling systems using non-conductive materials. |
| Compromise Fish Plates | Transition joints designed to connect rails of different sizes or profiles. |
| Joggled Fish Plates | Feature a bent shape for temporary repair or to accommodate rail defects. |
| Glued Insulated Joints (GIJ) | High-strength bonded joints that minimize movement in high-speed or heavy-axle lines. |
| Crane Rail Fish Plates | Heavy-duty plates designed for specific crane rail profiles (e.g., QU70, QU100). |
What is the function of rail joints?
Rail joints (or fishplates) connect rail ends to ensure structural continuity, allowing for safe train passage, proper alignment, and thermal expansion. They maintain vertical/lateral stability, connect different rail types, and allow for thermal expansion/contraction while enabling electrical insulation for signaling systems.
- Structural Connection: Joins two rail ends together securely using bolts and fishplates.
- Alignment Maintenance: Holds rail ends in precise vertical and horizontal alignment to ensure smooth train movement.
- Expansion/Contraction Management: Allows for thermal expansion and contraction of rails, reducing stress.
- Load Distribution: Distributes the heavy impact forces of train wheels across the rail connection.
- Insulation: Specially designed insulated joints prevent electrical current conduction between track circuits.
- Transition: Connects different sizes or weights of rail together, known as a compromise joint.
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.