A rail fish plate is a steel joint bar that restores effective sectional strength at rail discontinuities, allowing bending moments and shear forces to pass smoothly across joints without causing rapid rail-end deterioration. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY manufactures fish plates for GB standards, UIC standards, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rail sections, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rails, and provides joint system configuration support for different track structures.
| 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 is the function of rail joints?
Rail joints (or fishplates) connect rail ends to ensure structural continuity, allowing for safe vertical and lateral alignment under heavy loads. They facilitate longitudinal movement for thermal expansion/contraction, maintain proper gauge, and, in specialized cases, electrically insulate track sections for signaling.
- Connecting Rails: They act as fasteners, typically using fishplates and bolts to connect two rail ends securely.
- Maintaining Alignment: Rail joints hold rail ends in correct alignment both horizontally and vertically, ensuring smooth train movement.
- Allowing Expansion/Contraction: They provide a small gap to accommodate the contraction and expansion of rails due to temperature variations.
- Structural Support: They provide strength to the joint, which is a weak point on the track, helping to handle impact forces from passing trains.
- Electrical Insulation: In specific scenarios, insulated rail joints are used to prevent current conduction between signal blocks.
- Connecting Different Rails: Compromise joints are used to connect two different types or sizes of rails together.
How Can Fish Plate Failures Be Prevented?
Fish plate failures are prevented by ensuring high-quality, high-strength steel material (tensile strength ≥620 MPa), using precise installation with correct bolt torque (300-450 N·m), and implementing regular inspections for cracks or loose bolts. Key strategies include lubricating contact surfaces to reduce friction, ensuring proper rail alignment, and using appropriate insulation for joints.
Key Preventive Measures
Material and Manufacturing Quality:
- High-Strength Steel: Utilize materials with proper heat treatment to boost rust resistance and strength.
- Rigorous Testing: Conduct tensile tests (minimum 620 MPa) and bend tests (120° without cracking) to ensure material integrity.
- Advanced Design: Use improved bolt hole designs to reduce stress points.
Proper Installation and Maintenance:
- Correct Torque: Tighten bolts to 300-400 N·m for standard joints and 500-550 N·m for heavy-load joints.
- Lubrication: Regularly apply lubricant to the fish plate to reduce friction and wear.
- Cleaning: Remove dirt, rust, and debris from the joint area to prevent corrosion.
- Component Matching: Ensure bolts, nuts, and washers are compatible with the rail section to prevent play.
Inspection and Operational Practices:
- Regular Inspections: Monitor for cracks (especially around bolt holes), rust, and loose bolts.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Use ultrasonic inspection to detect internal flaws.
- Track Maintenance: Ensure smooth rail alignment to reduce impact loads as trains pass.
Insulated and Special Joint Care:
- Resistance Checks: Test electrical resistance annually for insulated joints and replace components if it drops below 10^7Ω.
- Joggled Plates: Use specialized, offset (joggled) plates where rail-end geometry requires a better fit.
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY 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.