Insulated rail joint specification

A rail fish plate is a coupling bar that mechanically unites adjacent rail ends into a structurally continuous beam, enabling safe transmission of axle loads while controlling rail end movement caused by vibration and thermal cycling. Its performance directly affects joint longevity.

GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY supplies fish plates for GB light and heavy rails, UIC rail profiles, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rails, AS1085 sections, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rails, with services including corrosion protection options and joint package supply.

What is the function of a rail joint bar?

A rail joint bar (or fishplate) connects two rail ends, maintaining alignment, stability, and electrical conductivity while allowing for thermal expansion. These steel bars ensure a smooth, continuous path for trains, distributing loads to reduce stress, prevent separation, and maintain proper gauge. They are crucial for track safety.

Key Functions of a Rail Joint Bar:

• Connecting Rails: Joins two adjacent rail ends together to create a continuous track.

• Maintaining Alignment: Keeps rails in proper horizontal and vertical alignment to ensure smooth, safe train movement.

• Load Distribution: Reduces stress at the joint, transferring load effectively.

• Allowing Expansion/Contraction: Provides necessary space for thermal movement of rails, preventing buckling or gaps.

• Safety & Stability: Holds rails together to prevent rail separation and derailments.

Insulated rail joint specification

Insulated rail joints (IRJs), or glued insulated joints (GIJs), are critical signaling components designed for electrical isolation of track circuits. Key specs require a minimum of 30 MΩ electrical resistance, with replacement mandatory if resistance drops below 1 MΩ or 3 MΩ for critical failures). They must withstand axial loads over 2500KN and axle loads up to 320KN.

Key Technical Specifications:

• Structure: Comprises steel fishplates, specialized insulation liners (often nylon 66 or fiberglass), insulated end posts, and insulated bolt sleeves/washers.

• Standards: Comply with international standards such as AREMA (115RE, 132RE), UIC (UIC54, UIC60), BS, or GB standards.

• Dimensions & Tolerance: Standard lengths are typically 12.5m or customized, with joint assembly lengths around 3.43m to 4.57m. Tolerance for hole centers is generally ±1mm.

• Performance: Designed to act as a monolithic unit, preventing relative movement between rail and fishplates.

• Installation Requirements: Glued joints should be installed when temperatures are above 12℃ and humidity is below 60%.

• Maintenance: Insulation resistance should be checked at least quarterly, with special attention to removing metal filings or brake dust that can create short circuits.

Size of Rail Joint

Rail joints (fish plates) vary by rail weight, ranging from light (8kg–30kg) to heavy (38kg–60kg) and crane rails (QU70–QU120). Standard lengths are typically 24-inch (4-hole) or 36-inch (6-hole). Common international standards include 115RE, 132RE, UIC54, UIC60, and various standards BS80A.

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.

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