Railroad Tie Plates
Railroad tie plates, also known as base plates or sole plates, are crucial components in railway track systems. These plates are typically made of steel and are mounted between the rail and the wooden or concrete railroad ties (sleepers) to distribute the load evenly and secure the rail in place. They play a significant role in maintaining the stability and integrity of the track structure.
Chemical Composition of AREMA Tie Plates
| Element | Chemical Analysis Weight Percent | Product Analysis Weight Percent Allowance Beyond Limits of Specified Chemical Analysis | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Carbon Tie Plates | High Carbon Tie Plates | Under Minimum Limit | Under Minimum Limit | |
| Carbon | 0.150min to 0.349 | 0.350 to 0.850 | 0.04 | 0 |
| Phosphorous | 0.050max | 0.050max | N/A | 0.008 |
| Sulfur | 0.040max | 0.040max | N/A | 0.008 |
AREMA Tie Plates Specification
| AREMA PLAN# | PUNCH | DESCRIPTION | RAIL BASE SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAN 3 16.69# | A&B | 7-3/4"×12" | 5-1/2" |
| PLAN 4 14.09# | B | 7-3/4"×11" | 5-1/2" |
| PLAN 5 17.13# | A&B | 7-3/4"×12" | 5-1/2" |
| PLAN 7 20.56# | A&B | 7-3/4"×13" | 5-1/2" |
| PLAN 8 23.93# | A | 7-3/4"×14" | 5-1/2" |
| PLAN 10 18.76# | A&B | 7-3/4"×13" | 6" |
| PLAN 12 22.45# | A&B | 7-3/4"×14" | 6" |
| PLAN 12 22.45# | A | 7-3/4"×14-3/4" | 6" |