What are railroad fishplates?
A rail fish plate is a joint coupling device that restores structural continuity between rail sections by aligning and clamping rail ends with high-strength bolts, ensuring safe load transfer and stable track geometry under continuous traffic. GNEE RAIL provides fish plates matched to GB light and heavy rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 crane rails, QU70/80/100/120, JIS standard rails, AS1085 profiles, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rails, with complete joint fastening supply and technical installation guidance.
Types of Rail Joint:
| Joint Type | Key Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Rail Joint (Fish Plate) | - Profile: Matches the rail section (e.g., UIC 60, 136RE). - Length: Typically 600mm or 800mm per side. - Holes: 4 or 6 bolt holes per bar. |
| Insulated Rail Joint (IRJ) | - Material: Steel core with composite insulating end-posts/plates, or full epoxy composite. - Electrical Resistance: >10⁸ Ω. |
| Compromise Rail Joint | - Design: Connects two different rail profiles (e.g., UIC 54 to UIC 60). - Profile: Each side is machined to match its respective rail section. |
| Joggled Rail Joint | - Feature: Has a depressed (joggled) section to allow continuous rail head surface for smoother wheel passage. |
| Bridge Rail Joint | - Design: Often reinforced (thicker web/longer length) for high-stress locations like bridge approaches. |
| Glued Insulated Joint | - Construction: Steel bars bonded to composite insulation using high-strength adhesive for improved durability. |
| Welded Rail Joint (for CWR) | - Type: Flash-butt or thermite weld. - Specification: Weld must meet mechanical properties equal to or greater than the parent rail. |
| Expansion Joint (for BRE) | - Feature: Allows controlled thermal expansion in long rails on bridges or in extreme temperature zones. |
What is the purpose of the holes on the rail joint?
The holes on a rail joint (fish plate) are designed for inserting bolts that connect two rail ends, ensuring structural continuity, stability, and proper alignment of the track. These holes allow for safe thermal expansion and contraction of the steel rails, prevent joint misalignment, and facilitate maintenance.
- Structural Connection: The primary purpose is to receive fish bolts that securely fasten the splice bar to the rail web, bridging two rail sections together.
- Thermal Management: The holes allow for slight movement between the bolts and rails, enabling expansion in hot weather and contraction in cold, which prevents rail buckling.
- Alignment & Stability: They help maintain perfect vertical and lateral alignment, preventing sagging or misalignment at the joint.
- Maintenance & Repair: The bolted design allows for relatively easy installation and removal of rail sections during maintenance.
What is the function of a railway joint?
A railway joint, or fishplate joint, connects two rail sections to ensure continuous track, enabling trains to travel smoothly while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction to prevent buckling. They provide essential structural strength and alignment for track stability.
Key Functions of Railway Joints:
- Track Continuity: Connects two rail sections securely, allowing for long-distance, uninterrupted, and smooth train travel.
- Expansion and Contraction: Accommodates thermal movement of rails caused by temperature changes, preventing the track from warping or buckling.
- Structural Support and Alignment: Maintains proper alignment of the rail ends, ensuring the track remains straight or follows the required curve.
- Easy Maintenance: Facilitates the removal and replacement of individual rail sections without replacing the entire track.
- Safety and Strength: Distributes loads efficiently, acting as a crucial element in securing the overall safety of the railway track.
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.