What is the height of A55 crane rail?
The standard height of the A55 crane rail is exactly 65 mm. This measurement is defined by the DIN 536-1:1991 standard, which classifies the A55 as a "low-profile" rail. Unlike taller railway tracks, the A55 is designed with a squat geometry-where the base is significantly wider than the height-to ensure maximum stability for heavy industrial cranes.
- Total Height (h): 65 mm
- Base Width (b₂): 150 mm
- Head Width (b₁): 55 mm
- Web Thickness (s): 31 mm
- Theoretical Weight: Approximately 31.8 kg/m
| Size | Dimension(mm) | Weight | Material | Length | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head(mm) | Height(mm) | Bottom(mm) | Web(mm) | ||||
| A 55 | 55 | 65 | 150 | 31 | 31.8 | 900A | 10-12 |
| A65 | 65 | 75 | 175 | 38 | 43.1 | 900A | 10-12 |
| A75 | 75 | 85 | 200 | 45 | 56.2 | 900A | 10-12 |
| A100 | 100 | 95 | 200 | 60 | 74.3 | 900A | 10-12 |
| A120 | 120 | 105 | 220 | 72 | 100 | 900A | 10-12 |
What are the advantages of the 65 mm tall DIN 536 A55 rail profile?
The DIN 536 A55 rail is a specialized crane rail profile designed primarily for heavy-load applications where a low center of gravity and high lateral stability are required.
High Lateral Stability：The A55 profile features a wide base (150 mm) relative to its height (65 mm). This geometry provides a massive footprint that effectively distributes vertical loads and, more importantly, resists the intense lateral (side) forces generated by crane movement and heavy trolley acceleration.
Reduced Structural Stress：Because of its short, squat design, the bending moment exerted on the rail under horizontal load is significantly lower than that of taller profiles. This reduces the risk of rail tilting or web fatigue, which is critical in high-duty cycle industrial environments.
Optimized Load Distribution
The head of the A55 is 55 mm wide, providing a substantial contact surface for crane wheels. This helps to:
- Minimize Point Loading: Spreading the weight reduces the pressure on both the wheel and the rail head.
- Extend Component Lifespan: Lowering contact stress reduces the rate of wear and "mushrooming" of the rail head over time.
Efficient Installation and Maintenance
The DIN 536 standard is globally recognized, making the A55 compatible with a wide range of standardized clip and pad systems. Its low profile often allows for simpler integration into workshop floors where overhead clearance or rail embedment depth is a constraint.
Can A55 crane rails be used for railway applications?
DIN 536 A55 crane rails are generally not suitable for standard passenger or freight railway applications. They are designed specifically for industrial crane runways, trolley rails, and heavy-duty logistics, as they feature a flatter, wider head and different profile compared to standard T-section railway tracks.
Beam Strength vs. Foundation Support
Railway rails (like UIC60 or 136RE) act as continuous beams. They must be tall to provide the vertical stiffness required to span the gaps between sleepers (ties) without bending.
- Railway Rails: High moment of inertia to resist deflection over air gaps.
- A55 Crane Rails: With a height of only 65 mm, they lack the vertical "depth" to span sleepers. They are designed to be continuously supported on a concrete plinth or steel girder. Using them on sleepers would likely result in rail failure or track subsidence.
Wheel Interface and Tracking
Railway wheels and crane wheels have incompatible geometries.
- Railway Wheels: These are tapered (conical) and run on a "crowned" (curved) rail head. This pairing allows for "hunting oscillation," which naturally centers the train on the track and allows it to navigate curves.
- A55 Crane Rails: These have a flat, wide head (55 mm) designed for flat crane wheels. Running a railway wheel on an A55 rail would result in a tiny contact patch, leading to extreme "contact stress," rapid metal fatigue, and a high risk of derailment since the rail cannot facilitate the wheel's self-centering geometry.
3. Lateral Force Management
Standard railway tracks use the "web" of the rail to absorb dynamic lateral forces from fast-moving trains. The A55 is "squat" to handle the massive, slow-moving lateral thrust of a crane trolley, but its proportions do not allow for the standard elastic fastening systems (like E-clips or SKL clips) used in railway permanent way.
FAQ
1. Does the height of A55 rail change with different material grades?
No, the physical A55 rail dimensions are fixed by the DIN 536-1 standard. Whether you choose S700 or S900Q A55 Crane Rail Material Grade, the height remains exactly 65 mm. The grade only affects the steel's strength and wear resistance.
2. How much head wear is allowed before the A55 rail needs replacement?
Generally, for DIN 536 a55 crane rails, a vertical head wear of about 10-15% of the head's original thickness is the limit. However, you should always consult your specific crane's safety manual and local industrial standards for the exact wear limits for A55 heavy rails.
3. Is the height of A55 rail the same as A65 or A75?
No, the height increases as you go up the A-series. While the A55 rail profile is 65mm high, the A65 is 75mm high, and the A75 is 85mm high. Each step up is designed for progressively heavier wheel loads.
4. How does the 65mm height affect the choice of Alumothermic Welding kits for Rails?
The welding molds must be specifically designed for the A55 rail dimensions details. Because the height is only 65mm, the mold for Alumothermic Welding kits for Rails is more compact than those used for standard railroad tracks to ensure a proper thermal seal during the welding process.
5. Are there "short" versions of the A55 rail available for special repairs?
While the standard height is 65mm, we can provide custom-cut lengths of A55 crane tracks to fit specific sections of your track. However, the vertical A55 rail dimensions always remain standard to ensure compatibility with your existing crane wheels.
Request Latest Price
Choosing the correct rail height and profile is fundamental to the success of your infrastructure. GNEE RAIL offers professional support to help you verify that the A55 rail dimensions details align with your crane's engineering requirements. From material selection to the final delivery of A55 Steel Crane Rail, we provide the expertise needed to optimize your operation for performance and durability.
Contact Us to receive a comprehensive technical quote and professional advice for your A55 Crane Rail installation. Our team is ready to provide the high-performance rail solutions and A55 rail accessories your project demands.