What is the EN 13674-1 uic60 rail specification?
The EN 13674-1 UIC60 (60E1) rail is a, 60.21 kg/m heavy-duty flat-bottom rail designed for high-speed and heavy-traffic railways, standardized by the European EN 13674-1 standard. Key specifications include a 172 mm height, 150 mm base, and 74.3 mm head width, typically produced in steel grades like R260 or R350HT.
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Key Characteristics and Technical Details

- Mass: 60.21 kg/m
- Profile Height: 172 mm
- Base Width: 150 mm
- Head Width: 74.3 mm
- Web Thickness: 16.5 mm
- Sectional Area: 76.70 cm²
- Standard Gauge: 1435 mm
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Material and Grade (per EN 13674-1)
The standard specifies pearlite steel grades based on hardness:
- R260: Nominal hardness 260 HBW (standard wear resistance)
- R350HT: Nominal hardness 350 HBW (heat-treated for high wear resistance)
- Other grades: R200, R220, R260Mn, R320Cr

| R200 | Mechanical Property | Chemical Composition | |||||||||||
| Yield strength | Tensile strength | Elongation | Hardness | C | Si | Mn | S | P | H ppm | O ppm | |||
| MPa | kg/mm² | MPa | kg/mm² | min | HB | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ||||
| ≥680 | 14% | 200-240 | 0.40-0.60 | 0.15-0.58 | 0.70-1.20 | 0.025 | 0.035 | 3 | 20 | ||||
| R260 | Mechanical Property | Chemical Composition | |||||||||||
| Yield strength | Tensile strength | Elongation | Hardness | C | Si | Mn | S | P | H ppm | O ppm | |||
| MPa | kg/mm² | MPa | kg/mm² | min | HB | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ||||
| ≥880 | 10% | 260-300 | 0.62-0.80 | 0.15-0.58 | 0.70-1.20 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 2.5 | 20 | ||||
| R260Mn | Mechanical Property | Chemical Composition | |||||||||||
| Yield strength | Tensile strength | Elongation | Hardness | C | Si | Mn | S | P | H ppm | O ppm | |||
| MPa | kg/mm² | MPa | kg/mm² | min | HB | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ||||
| ≥880 | 10% | 260-300 | 0.55-0.75 | 0.15-0.60 | 1.30-1.70 | 0.025 | 0.035 | 2.5 | 20 | ||||
| R350HT | Mechanical Property | Chemical Composition | |||||||||||
| Yield strength | Tensile strength | Elongation | Hardness | C | Si | Mn | S | P | H ppm | O ppm | |||
| MPa | kg/mm² | MPa | kg/mm² | min | HB | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | ||||
| ≥1175 | 9% | 350-390 | 0.72-0.80 | 0.15-0.58 | 0.70-1.20 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 2.5 | 20 | ||||
Tolerances and Quality Control
60E1 (UIC60) rails are manufactured to strict EN 13674-1 standards, ensuring high-performance, heavy-haul, and high-speed rail capabilities. Key quality control measures include laser-monitored profile tolerances (profile class X, straightness class A), and strict requirements for steel cleanliness (vacuum degassing) and hardness (e.g., R260, R350HT).
60E1 Rail Tolerances (EN 13674-1 / EN 13674-1:2011 + A1:2017)
- Profile Tolerance (Class X): Strict control over head width (74.3 ± 0.5 mm), height (172 ± 0.5 mm), and base width (150 ± 0.5 mm) to ensure perfect fastening.
- Straightness (Class A): Laser-checked for high-speed performance; strict tolerances on vertical and lateral deformation.
- Length: Typically 12–25 meters, with specified tolerances on exact length.
- Drilling: Diameter 33 ± 0.5 mm, with position tolerances on the web.
- Surface Condition: High-pressure descaling is used during production to ensure surface finish.
Quality Control Measures
- Chemical Composition: High-carbon manganese steel is strictly monitored, often with vacuum degassing and secondary refining to remove impurities.
- Mechanical Testing: Validation of tensile strength (880 MPa for R260), hardness (260 HB or 350 HB for heat-treated rails), and impact resistance.
- Inspection: Non-destructive testing (NDT), such as eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing, and laser scanning to check for internal flaws and dimensional accuracy.
GNEE RAIL applies strict inspection procedures, including profile measurement and surface inspection, to ensure every rail uic60 meets the required tolerances before delivery.
FAQ
Q1: What is EN 13674-1 for UIC60 rail?
A: It is a European standard that defines the dimensions, steel grades, mechanical properties, and tolerances for UIC60 (60E1) rails.
Q2: Is UIC60 the same as 60E1 rail in EN standards?
A: Yes, UIC60 and 60e1 rail refer to the same rail profile under different naming systems.
Q3: What is the standard weight of UIC60 rail?
A: The standard 60e1 rail weight kg/m is 60 kg per meter, as defined by EN 13674-1.
Q4: Why are tolerances important in rail specifications?
A: Tight tolerances ensure proper installation, reduce wear, and maintain track alignment over time.
Q5: Are EN 13674-1 rails suitable for heavy freight lines?
A: Yes, with appropriate steel grades such as R350HT, they can support heavy loads and demanding conditions.
GNEE RAIL supplies UIC60 and 60e1 rail in accordance with EN 13674-1, with controlled dimensions, verified mechanical properties, and stable material quality. Rails can be processed to required lengths and supplied with matching fastening components for direct installation. Inspection covers 60e1 rail dimensions, weight kg per meter, and profile accuracy to ensure compliance with standard requirements. Packaging and loading are arranged to protect rails during transport and handling. Contact GNEE RAIL to get support for EN standard rail supply and project preparation.

