What are the different types of joints in railway track?

Jan 30, 2026 Leave a message

A rail fish plate is a structural joint element designed to re-establish mechanical continuity at rail connections by transmitting bending moments and shear forces through bolted interfaces, extending the service life of jointed track. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY provides fish plates for all major international rail standards including GB 8–60 kg/m, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70–QU120, JIS rails, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rails, along with comprehensive rail joint supply and technical support services.

 

rail fish plate

 

Standard Type Length/Diameter Weight /Material
AREMA 2007 115RE 4 hole-24" 17.04Kg 45# chemical
115RE 6 hole-36" 25.56Kg composition(%):
132-136RE 4 hole-24" 17.75Kg C: 0.42-0.50
132-136RE 6 hole-36" 26.63Kg Mn: 0.50-0.80
UIC864 UIC60 4 hole-630/Φ26 18.07Kg Si: 0.17-0.37
UIC60 4 hole-600/Φ28 17.47Kg Cr: ≤0.25
UIC60 4 hole-630/Φ25 18.1Kg P: ≤0.035
UIC54 4 hole 14.34Kg S: ≤0.035
UIC54 6 hole-800 19.94Kg  
BS 47-1 BS75R 4 hole 6.56Kg  
BS60A 4 hole 5.61Kg  
BS80A 4 hole 6.5Kg  
BS90A 685.8/Φ26 13.23Kg 50# chemical
BS90A 792.9/Φ26.2 15.34Kg composition(%):
BS100A 4 hole   C: 0.62-0.70
  90/91LB 4 hole 18.08Kg Mn: 0.50-0.80
90/91LB 6 hole 19.9Kg Si: 0.17-0.37
AS 50kg 4 hole 14.3Kg Cr: ≤0.25
50kg 6 hole 19.5Kg P: ≤0.035
  S49 4 hole 9.71Kg S: ≤0.035

 

What are the different types of joints in railway track?

 

Railway track joints connect rail ends to provide continuity, categorized by sleeper position (supported, suspended), rail alignment (staggered, square), and function (insulated, compromise, welded). They manage expansion, electrical signaling, and rail size differences, with common types including fish-plated (bolted) joints, insulated joints, and continuous welded rails.

 

Types of Railway Joints Based on Position & Design

 

  • Supported Joint: The rail ends rest directly on a single sleeper.

 

rail joint

 

  • Suspended Joint: The rail ends are suspended between two sleepers, offering better flexibility.

 

rail fish plate

 

  • Bridge Joint: A type of suspended joint where a metal bridge supports the rail ends.

 

  • Staggered Joint: Joints on opposite rails are not opposite each other; used on curves to prevent excessive rocking.

 

  • Square Joint: Joints on opposite rails are directly opposite one another.

 

Types of Railway Joints Based on Function & Structure

 

rail joint

 

  • Ordinary/Bolted Joint: Connects rails of the same profile using fishplates and bolts.

 

  • Insulated Joint: Used in automatic signaling sections to isolate electric circuits, often made of composite materials.

 

  • Compromise Joint: Connects two rails with different profiles, weights, or sections.

 

  • Welded Joint (CWR/LWR): Rail ends are welded to form a continuous, seamless track, eliminating the need for joint maintenance.

 

  • Glued Insulated Joint: A specialized, high-strength insulated joint that is glued rather than just bolted.

 

  • Expansion Joint: Designed to allow for expansion and contraction of the rails, specifically at bridge approaches or in long welded rails.

 

  • Joggled Joint: A temporary repair joint for broken or cracked rails.

 

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.

 

Founded in 2008, GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY 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.

 

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