A rail fish plate is a steel joint bar designed to reconnect the structural section of two rail ends so that the track can continue to support rolling loads across a physical break. It functions by restoring bending resistance and shear continuity at the joint location. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY supplies rail fish plates matched to GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/UIC54/UIC60, DIN536 A55–A120 crane rails, QU70/80/100/120, JIS rail standards, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rail sections, with complete joint fastening sets.
| 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 | |
Why are rail fish plates used in railways?
Rail fish plates (or splice bars) are critical components in railway infrastructure used to join two rail ends securely. They maintain horizontal and vertical alignment, ensure structural integrity by distributing wheel loads, and allow for thermal expansion/contraction, thereby enhancing safety, stability, and reducing maintenance.
- Connecting Rails: They hold adjacent rail ends together, ensuring continuity of the track.
- Load Distribution: They act as a bridge, transferring wheel loads from one rail to the next, which reduces stress at the joint.
- Alignment and Stability: They maintain the proper level (vertical) and line (horizontal) of the rail, preventing deflection or joint sinking under heavy traffic.
- Expansion Allowance: Designed with slotted holes, they allow for rail expansion and contraction during temperature changes, preventing track buckling.
- Safety and Maintenance: By strengthening the joint, they prevent derailments and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.
- Signaling Support: Specially designed insulated fish plates are used to create electrical isolation between rail sections for modern signaling systems.
How Often Should Fish Plates Be Inspected?
Rail fish plates (joint bars) require inspections ranging from weekly for high-traffic lines (50+ trains/day) to every 3-6 months for moderate traffic, and at least annually for lower-density tracks. Inspections focus on checking bolt tightness, looking for cracks, monitoring for wear, and ensuring proper rail alignment.
Inspection and Maintenance Key Points:
Frequency: High-traffic areas need inspection every 3-6 months (or weekly for very heavy traffic) to check for bolt loosening and rail end batter.
What to Check:
- Tightness: Check bolt torque (typically 400-600 Nm) to prevent loose joints.
- Cracks/Wear: Visually inspect for fatigue cracks, especially around bolt holes.
- Corrosion: Check for rust, which can weaken the connection.
- Actionable Measures: Replace damaged or cracked fish plates immediately. Regular lubrication of bolt threads can prevent corrosion.
- High-Risk Indicators: If the gap between rails becomes too large or if the joint shows excessive vertical deflection, immediate maintenance is required.
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.