A rail fish plate is a joint fastening element that connects rail segments into a continuous structural line, preventing joint opening, misalignment, and excessive impact forces caused by train loads and temperature variation. GNEE RAIL offers fish plates for GB, UIC, DIN536, QU, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE rail standards, and supports customers with joint installation guidance and material certification documentation.
| 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 | |
What Causes Common Fish Plate Failures in U.S. Railways?
Common fish plate (joint bar) failures in U.S. railways are primarily caused by bolt hole fatigue cracking, improper bolt torque, environmental corrosion, and excessive mechanical stress from heavy axle loads. These factors lead to broken plates, loose connections, or cracked rail ends.
Key causes of fish plate failures include:
- Mechanical Stress and Load: Heavy freight traffic, especially in high-speed or heavy-haul corridors, causes severe fatigue and wear.
- Bolt Hole Fatigue: Roughly 40% of rail fractures on jointed track originate at the bolt holes due to stress concentrations.
- Improper Installation/Maintenance: That under-torqued bolts (looseness) or over-torqued bolts (stress) often lead to failure.
- Environmental Factors: Moisture, rust, and extreme temperature fluctuations cause material degradation and expansion/contraction stress.
- Material Defects: Poor quality steel or manufacturing defects can lead to brittle failure.
Common Failure Modes
- Broken/Cracked Plates: Often occurring at the center, particularly in the lower, high-tension area.
- Bolt Slackening: Vibrations from heavy traffic can cause bolts to loosen.
- Joint Gap Issues: Improperly designed or maintained gaps can lead to rail end batter.
How to prevent problems such as rust and breakage of rail joint bars?
Preventing rust and breakage in rail joint bars (fish plates) requires a combination of regular maintenance, proper installation, and protective measures. Key actions include consistent lubrication to prevent rust, tightening bolts with a torque wrench, routine inspections for cracks, and using high-quality anti-corrosion coatings to ensure structural integrity and prevent fatigue.
Key Preventive Measures for Rail Joint Bars:
Preventing Corrosion (Rust):
- Lubrication: Regularly apply suitable lubricants to the joint bars and fishing surfaces to reduce friction, allow free movement, and prevent moisture-induced rust.
- Protective Coatings: Utilize advanced coatings, such as zinc-based, or special anti-corrosion treatments, to protect the steel from environmental factors, especially in coastal or industrial areas.
- Cleaning: Regularly remove dirt, debris, and sand from the joint area to prevent moisture retention and accelerated corrosion.
Preventing Breakage and Failure:
- Proper Installation: Ensure accurate alignment of the joint and use appropriate tightening torque on fish bolts using a torque wrench.
- Regular Inspections: Frequently inspect joint bars for signs of wear, hairline cracks, or corrosion.
- Bolt Tension Management: Maintain proper tension on bolts, as loose bolts can cause excessive stress, leading to breakage.
- Material Selection: Use high-quality, high-strength steel for joint bars, designed to withstand heavy, repeated loading.
- Temperature Management: In jointed track, ensure proper expansion gaps exist to prevent thermal buckling or excessive tension during cold weather, which can break the joint bars.
- Replacement: Replace worn, cracked, or severely corroded joint bars promptly to avoid failure.
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.