A rail fish plate is a structural joint bar whose primary role is to restore load continuity where two rails meet, preventing wheel loads from being concentrated at unsupported rail ends and reducing impact damage. It enables jointed rail to function safely under traffic. GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates for GB light rail and heavy rail, UIC standard rails, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rails, AS1085 sections, BS11 rails, and AREMA/ASCE profiles, and offers rail–joint matching verification before delivery.
How are rails joined?
Rails are joined either mechanically using bolted fishplates (joint bars) or, more commonly, by welding to form continuous welded rail (CWR). Mechanical joints, used for traditional track, connect rail ends with bolted steel plates, while modern, high-speed lines rely on flash butt-welding or thermite welding to melt and fuse rail ends for a seamless track.
Primary Rail Joining Methods
- Welded Rail Joint (CWR): Modern technique where rail ends are joined via flash-butt welding, resistance welding, or thermite welding to create a smooth, continuous, and strong track that reduces maintenance and noise.
- Mechanical Joint (Fishplates/Joint Bars): Metal bars are bolted to both sides of the rail web, bridging two rails together. This method, often called "fishplates," allows for thermal expansion and is used in areas where welding is not feasible.
- Insulated Rail Joint: A specialized joint used in signaling sections, utilizing nylon or composite materials to prevent electric current from passing between rails.
Common Joint Types
- Common Rail Joint: Connects rails of the same profile.
- Compromise Joint: Connects two rail sections of different sizes or profiles.
- Joggled Joint: Used for temporary repairs of broken or cracked welded rails.
| Joint Type | Key Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Rail Joint (Fish Plate) | - Profile: Matches the rail section (e.g., UIC 60, 136RE). - Length: Typically 600mm or 800mm per side. - Holes: 4 or 6 bolt holes per bar. |
| Insulated Rail Joint (IRJ) | - Material: Steel core with composite insulating end-posts/plates, or full epoxy composite. - Electrical Resistance: >10⁸ Ω. |
| Compromise Rail Joint | - Design: Connects two different rail profiles (e.g., UIC 54 to UIC 60). - Profile: Each side is machined to match its respective rail section. |
| Joggled Rail Joint | - Feature: Has a depressed (joggled) section to allow continuous rail head surface for smoother wheel passage. |
| Bridge Rail Joint | - Design: Often reinforced (thicker web/longer length) for high-stress locations like bridge approaches. |
| Glued Insulated Joint | - Construction: Steel bars bonded to composite insulation using high-strength adhesive for improved durability. |
| Welded Rail Joint (for CWR) | - Type: Flash-butt or thermite weld. - Specification: Weld must meet mechanical properties equal to or greater than the parent rail. |
| Expansion Joint (for BRE) | - Feature: Allows controlled thermal expansion in long rails on bridges or in extreme temperature zones. |
Specification of Rail Fish Plate
Rail fish plates (joint bars) are structural steel connectors, typically made of rolled or forged steel (e.g., Chinese grade 40#/50# or equivalent), designed to fasten rail ends using 4 or 6 bolt holes. Key specifications include tensile strength (550-650 MPa), elongation≥18%, and compliance with standards like BS47-1, UIC864, or AREMA for profiles like 50kg, 60kg, or UIC60.
| 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 | |
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.