Is A55 rail the same as a standard train track?
The short answer is no. While A55 rail is a type of steel rail, it is specifically designed for industrial crane systems rather than standard passenger or freight train tracks.
The primary differences lie in the shape, weight distribution, and intended application of the rail profile.
1. Shape and Profile (DIN 536-1 Standard)
The A55 rail follows the DIN 536-1 international standard for crane rails. Unlike standard railway tracks, which have a "T-shaped" or Vignoles profile designed for high-speed flexibility and weight distribution across sleepers, the A55 has a much broader base and a shorter, thicker web.
- Standard Rail: Features a tall web to provide vertical stiffness for high-speed travel.
- A55 Crane Rail: Features a wide, flat base to handle the massive, static vertical loads of overhead or gantry cranes. The head is also flatter and wider to accommodate the large, flat wheels of industrial machinery.
2. Technical Specifications
When comparing A55 to a common railway track profile like the UIC60 or 136RE, the physical dimensions differ significantly:
| Specification | A55 Crane Rail | Standard Rail (e.g., UIC60) |
| Head Width | 55 mm | ~74 mm |
| Base Width | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Total Height | 65 mm | 172 mm |
| Web Thickness | 31 mm | ~16 mm |
The A55 is "squat." Its height is less than half that of a standard train track, but its web is nearly twice as thick to prevent buckling under the immense pressure of heavy lifting equipment.
3. Application and Installation
Standard train tracks are designed for dynamic loading (speed, vibration, and long-distance travel). They are typically laid on ballast and sleepers.
In contrast, A55 rail is intended for static or slow-moving heavy loads. It is usually mounted directly onto concrete foundations or steel beams using specialized fastening systems like weldable clips or rubber nose clips. These systems ensure the rail stays perfectly aligned under the lateral forces common in port and warehouse operations.
Specifications of A55 Crane Rail
The exact A55 rail dimensions are the first priority to ensure compatibility with existing crane designs. The DIN 536 Standard A55 crane rail features a head width of 55mm, a base width of 150mm, and a height of 65mm.
| Rail Type | Weight(Kg/m) | Material | Length(m) |
| A55 | 31.8 | 700/900A/1100 | 10-12 |
| Head Width(mm) | Bottom Width(mm) | Rail Height(mm) | Web Thickness |
| 55 | 150 | 65 | 31 |
This specific geometry ensures that the A55 rail weight per meter (approx. 31.8 kg/m) is concentrated where it matters: the base and the head. This wide-base design effectively spreads the load over the baseplates/steel soleplates, significantly reducing the pressure on your factory floor or support beams.
Material grade is the second most critical factor affecting the "road" performance. We provide A55 Steel Crane Rail in S700 (700 N/mm²) and S900Q (900 N/mm²) grades. The S900Q A55 Crane Rail Material Grade is specifically recommended for high-duty cycles where the crane operates 24/7.
| 900A | Mechanical Property | Chemical Composition(%) | |||||||||
| Yield strength | Tensile strength | Elongation | Hardness | C | Si | Mn | S | P | |||
| MPa | kg/mm² | MPa | kg/mm² | min | HB | ≤ | ≤ | ||||
| - | - | 880-1030 | - | 10% | - | 0.60-0.80 | 0.10-0.50 | 0.80-1.30 | 0.040 | 0.040 | |
FAQ
1. What are the exact dimensions of A55 rail head, base, and height?
The A55 rail dimensions are: Head Width 55mm, Base Width 150mm, and Total Height 65mm. These dimensions are fixed by the DIN 536-1 standard to ensure compatibility with international crane equipment.
2. Which material grade should I choose for a 24-hour container terminal?
For high-frequency use, we strongly recommend the S900Q A55 Crane Rail Material Grade. It offers significantly higher hardness and tensile strength than S700, which is essential for preventing the rail head from wearing down under constant duty cycles.
3. How long is the expected service life of A55 steel rails?
With proper installation using rubber pads and standard fastening clips, a high-quality A55 Steel Crane Rail can last 20-30 years. Life expectancy depends heavily on wheel load, maintenance, and the quality of the initial alignment.
4. Can GNEE RAIL provide pre-drilled rails to match my old soleplates?
Yes, we offer custom CNC drilling services. You only need to provide the hole diameter and the center-to-center spacing. This allows you to install the new DIN 536 a55 crane rails quickly without any on-site machining.
5. How much does one 12-meter A55 rail weigh?
The A55 rail weight per meter is 31.8 kg/m. Therefore, a standard 12-meter section weighs 381.6 kg.
6. Is alumothermic welding better than using fishplates for A55 rail?
Absolutely. For A55 overhead crane rail systems, alumothermic welding creates a seamless "road" that eliminates the impact at joints. This protects your crane components from vibration damage and is far superior to mechanical fishplates for long-term durability.
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GNEE RAIL provides the technical expertise to ensure you receive the exact A55 Steel Crane Rail specifications required for your load and environment. We offer integrated solutions, from the rail itself to the necessary A55 rail accessories, ensuring your installation is safe and efficient.Contact Us to discuss your specific infrastructure needs and receive a detailed technical quote. Our team is ready to provide the high-performance A55 Crane Rail solutions and engineering support your project deserves.