How much does a UIC 60 rail weight per meter?
The UIC 60 rail, widely recognized in modern railway engineering under the European standard EN 13674-1 as the 60E1 profile, is a heavy-duty steel rail designed to withstand the rigorous demands of high-speed train networks and heavy-haul freight lines. the standard weight of a UIC 60 (60E1) rail is exactly 60.21 kilograms per meter ( kg/m ). This specific mass is directly derived from its precisely engineered cross-sectional area of 76.70 square centimeters and the standard density of rail steel.
60E1 rail dimensions:
| Type of Rail | Standard | Dimensions (mm) | Section S | Mass m | ||||
| H | B | C | D | E | cm² | kg/m | ||
| European standard EN 13674-1 | ||||||||
| 60E1 (UIC60) | EN 13674 - 1 | 172,00 | 150,00 | 72,00 | 51,00 | 16,50 | 76,70 | 60,21 |
The weight distribution is carefully balanced across its structural dimensions: a total height of 172.00 mm, a base width of 150.00 mm, a rail head width of 72.00 mm, and a web thickness of 16.50 mm. This calculated geometry ensures that the heavy mass is optimally distributed to resist both vertical heavy-axle loads and horizontal lateral forces generated by speeding trains.
Why the Weight of UIC 60 Rail Matters in Railway Engineering?
The 60.21 kg/m mass of the UIC 60 rail is not an arbitrary number; it is a critical engineering parameter. In heavy-haul and high-speed rail applications, track stability is paramount. The substantial weight of the UIC 60 provides superior vertical stiffness and torsional resistance compared to lighter profiles like UIC 54.
uic54 rail dimensions:
| UIC860 standard rail | |||||||
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Unit weight (kg/m) | Material | Length (m) | |||
| H.W (mm) | H (mm) | B.W (mm) | W.T (mm) | ||||
| 49 E1 (S49) | 70 | 149 | 125 | 14 | 49.39 | 900A/1100 | 12-25 |
| UIC54 | 70 | 159 | 140 | 16 | 54.43 | 900A/1100 | 12-25 |
| UIC60 | 74.3 | 172 | 150 | 16.5 | 60.21 | 900A/1100 | 12-25 |
This heavy mass acts as an exceptional vibration dampener, absorbing the extreme kinetic energy and dynamic impact of high-tonnage locomotives passing at high speeds. Consequently, the heavier weight significantly reduces the wear and tear on the rail fastenings, sleepers, and the underlying ballast, ultimately extending the track's service life and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
GNEE RAIL produces and supplies UIC60 Rail built for heavy‑load and high‑speed railway lines. Our rails follow strict UIC860 and EN13674‑1 standards for consistent quality and global compatibility. Strong structure and high fatigue strength make them ideal for long‑term heavy use. Tell us your project needs and we will send a full specification sheet right away.