What are railroad tie plates?

Nov 17, 2025 Leave a message

What are railroad tie plates?

 

Railroad tie plates are steel plates placed between the steel rails and the sleepers (ties) to distribute the load and keep the rails at the correct gauge. They increase the bearing area on the tie, which helps prevent the rail from cutting into the wood, and are fastened to the sleeper with spikes or bolts. Their primary purpose is to improve the stability of the tracks, reduce twisting, and ensure the safety and longevity of the railway.

 

rail iron plate

 

Key functions of rail tie plate

 

  • Distributes load: By increasing the bearing area, the tie plate spreads the force from the rail over a larger area of the tie, preventing it from sinking or being damaged.

 

  • Maintains gauge: They hold the rails to the correct and consistent width (gauge) along the track.

 

  • Improves stability: Many are tapered at the ends to improve stability and reduce torsion and twisting of the rail.

 

  • Secures the rail: They are fastened to the sleeper using rail spikes or track bolts through holes in the plate, securing the rail in place.

 

  • Provides a flat surface: The plate provides a flat, smooth surface for the rail to rest on.

 

rail spike

 

Specification of Rail Tie Plate

 

rail pad

 

Model Application Material Unit Weight Export Destination
115RE Tie plate AREMA 115RE rail Q235 or
QT400-15
10.6kg/pc USA
132/136RE
Tie plate
AREMA 132RE rail
AREMA 136RE rail
Q235 or
QT400-15
11-12kg/p USA
115D Tie plate AREMA 115D rail Q235 or
QT400-15
28.8kg/pc USA
100-8B Tie plate AREMA 100-8B rail Q235 or
QT400-15
26kg/pc USA
S49 Tie plate S49 rail QT450-10
QT400-15
Q235
7.57kg/pc  

 

Model Application Specification Material Standard Unit Weight Export Destination
TYPE-D Subway tie plate 1/4"*8"*19-1/2" Hot rolled carbon steel ASTM-A36
H.R.1020.
  USA
TYPE-19-A Subway tie plate 1/4"*8"*19-1/2" Hot rolled carbon steel ASTM-A36
H.R.1020.
USA
01-63-14 Subway tie plate   20#   4.53kg/pc USA
01-63-13 Subway tie plate 20# 5.65kg/pc USA
Base Plate GB38kg rail Q235 or
QT400-15
QT450-10
8.5kg/pc  

 

If you have special requirements for dimensions or higher strength materials, please contact us for special custom production.

 

Rail tie plates play an important role in securing the safety of railway and passengers. It has the function of supporting the rails and protecting the sleepers. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY can provide you with high quality and reliable rail tie plate and all of our products are inspected by a full set of inspection facilities in quality center. Both standard and customized rail base plates are available according to your drawing and sample.