Rails are a critical part of the railway track structure. They guide the train wheels, bear various forces from the wheels, and transfer these forces to sleepers and the ballast. This ensures smooth and safe train operation.
Rail specifications are usually expressed by weight per meter (kg/m). Common rail weights in China include 75kg/m, 60kg/m, and 50kg/m. International standards include AREMA, UIC, and DIN. Rail selection depends on traffic volume, speed, and axle load to ensure strength, toughness, and wear resistance while minimizing maintenance costs.
| Classification | Height(mm) | Head (mm) | Bottom (mm) | Thick(mm) | Weight (kg/m) | |
| Light Rail | 8 KG/M | 65 | 25 | 54 | 7 | 8.42 |
| 9 KG/M | 63.5 | 32.1 | 63.5 | 5.9 | 8.94 | |
| 12 KG/M | 69.85 | 38.1 | 69.85 | 7.54 | 12.2 | |
| 15 KG/M | 79.37 | 42.86 | 79.37 | 8.33 | 15.2 | |
| 18 KG/M | 80 | 40 | 80 | 10 | 18.06 | |
| 22 KG/M | 93.66 | 50.8 | 93.66 | 10.72 | 22.3 | |
| 24 KG/M | 107 | 51 | 90 | 10.9 | 24.46 | |
| 30 KG/M | 107.95 | 60.33 | 107.95 | 12.3 | 30.1 | |
| Heavy Rail | 38 KG/M | 134 | 68 | 114 | 13 | 38.733 |
| 43 KG/M | 140 | 70 | 114 | 14.5 | 44.653 | |
| 45 KG/M | 145 | 67 | 126 | 14.5 | 45.546 | |
| 50 KG/M | 152 | 70 | 132 | 15.5 | 51.514 | |
| 60 KG/M | 176 | 73 | 150 | 16.5 | 60.64 | |
| Crance Rail | QU 70 | 120 | 70 | 120 | 28 | 52.8 |
| QU 80 | 130 | 80 | 130 | 32 | 63.69 | |
| QU 100 | 150 | 100 | 150 | 38 | 88.96 | |
| QU 120 | 170 | 120 | 170 | 44 | 118.1 | |
There are three main factors when choosing rails:
Axle load matching: Rail weight should be at least 2.75 times the axle load.
Speed impact: Higher speeds require heavier rails to reduce vibration and impact.
Total load: Higher traffic loads increase fatigue damage, requiring more durable rails.
Rails have an I-shaped cross-section, consisting of the head, web, and base. The rail head directly bears wheel pressure and must be wide, thick, and wear-resistant. The web provides load-bearing and bending strength, usually designed with a curved shape. The base fixes the rail to sleepers and must be wide, thick, and corrosion-resistant.
Rail damage mainly includes fractures and cracks, which affect track safety. Damage is classified as minor, severe, or fracture. Fracture criteria include surface defect length and depth exceeding limits, which vary by line speed.
In summary, selecting the right rail weight and cross-section design, along with strict damage monitoring, is essential for track safety and extending service life.
As a professional railway track supplier, GNEE RAIL can provide you with high-quality GB rails:
- Heavy rails: 38kg 43kg 45kg 50kg 60kg 75kg
- Light rails: 8kg 12kg 15kg 22kg 24kg 30kg
- Crane rails: QU70 QU80 QU100 QU120
In addition, we also provide a variety of railway fasteners, spring bars, spikes, bolts, pads, etc.
If you have customized requirements, please contact us.