What are the properties of a uic60 rail section?
The UIC60 rail section is a globally standardized heavy-duty flat-bottom rail widely used in mainline railway tracks. Each rail weighs 60 kg per meter and features a robust cross-sectional design with a head width of 74 mm, a total height of 172 mm, and a base width of 150 mm. This combination ensures high load-bearing capacity, excellent stability under dynamic traffic, and uniform stress distribution along the track.
Designed for both high-speed passenger trains and heavy freight operations, UIC60 rails maintain long-term track alignment and reliability.
Accurate rail section dimensions are critical for installation planning, load distribution, and fastening system compatibility. The UIC60 rail profile is precisely engineered to ensure that each rail maintains proper alignment and stability under heavy and repeated loads. Knowing the exact dimensions also helps customers plan transportation, handling, and installation efficiently.
60e1 rail dimensions:

| UIC860 Standard | |||||||
| Size | Dimension | Weight (kg/m) | Material | Length (m) | |||
| Head (mm) | Height (mm) | Base | Web | ||||
| UIC54 | 70 | 159 | 140 | 16 | 54.43 | 900A/1100 | 12-25 |
| UIC60 | 72 | 172 | 150 | 16.5 | 60.21 | 900A/1100 | 12-25 |
GNEE RAIL provides complete UIC60 rail solutions, including rails, elastic clips, screw spikes, and base plates, engineered for long-term operational stability and compatibility with international fastening systems.
Material and Mechanical Properties
UIC60 rails are made from high-strength steels to withstand heavy axle loads, high-speed traffic, and repeated stress cycles. Understanding the mechanical properties is crucial for clients planning for track longevity, performance, and maintenance.
UIC60 (60E1) rail is a high-strength, pearlitic steel rail designed for heavy-haul and high-speed railways according to EN 13674-1. It boasts a nominal weight of 60.21 kg/m, featuring excellent wear resistance (260–440 HBW hardness) and high tensile strength (680–1175+ MPa), making it ideal for high-axle loads.

| 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 | ||||
What is the difference between 60e1 rail and 54e1 rail?
The primary differences between 60E1 (UIC 60) and 54E1 (UIC 54) rails are weight, dimensions, and load capacity. 60E1 is heavier (60.21 kg/m), taller (172 mm), and designed for high-speed, heavy-haul mainlines. 54E1 is lighter (54.77 kg/m), shorter (159 mm), and typically used for conventional, lower-speed, or mixed-traffic routes.
Key Differences Between 60E1 and 54E1 Rail:
- Weight: 60E1 weighs 60.21 kg/m, while 54E1 weighs 54.77 kg/m (sometimes designated 54.43 kg/m).
- Dimensions (Height): 60E1 is 172 mm tall; 54E1 is 159 mm tall.
- Dimensions (Base/Head): 60E1 has a 150 mm base and 74.3 mm head width, while 54E1 has a 140 mm base and 70 mm head width.
- Application: 60E1 is preferred for high-speed (> 200 km/h) and heavy-traffic lines due to superior stiffness. 54E1 is common in urban transit and general rail applications.
- Performance: The 60E1 profile offers higher bending resistance and reduced wear under heavy axle loads, whereas 54E1 balances cost with structural requirements for lower loads.
FAQ
Q1: How heavy is a UIC60 rail per meter?
A: Each rail weighs 60 kg/m, which is essential for transportation planning, lifting equipment selection, and safe installation.
Q2: Can UIC60 rails be used for both passenger and freight lines?
A: Yes, UIC60 rails are designed for mixed traffic, supporting high-speed passenger trains and heavy freight simultaneously.
Q3: What packaging is used for safe transportation?
A: Rails are bundled in standard lengths with protective end caps, reducing damage risk and ensuring safe international shipment.
Q4: How does UIC60 compare to other rail types?
A: Compared to UIC54 or DIN536 A65, UIC60 offers a balance of high load capacity, standardized profile, and wide compatibility with fastening systems.
Q5: What materials are used for UIC60 rails?
A: High-strength steels like U71Mn and R260 are used, providing wear resistance, tensile strength, and impact toughness for long-term service.
GNEE RAIL offers UIC60 rails with complete technical support, including rails, clips, base plates, and screw spikes, all engineered for long-term stability, safe transportation, and optimal performance under heavy traffic. Contact us to receive your customized solution, ensuring precise rail selection, safe installation, and reliable track operation.

