A rail fish plate is a load-transfer connector installed at rail joints to distribute wheel forces over a longer effective length, reducing stress concentration at rail ends and improving joint fatigue performance. Proper material and hole positioning are essential to joint reliability. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY supplies heat-treated and machined fish plates for GB 8–60 kg/m, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A-series, QU crane rails, JIS models, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rails, with material selection advice and bolt torque specification guidance.
What are the different types of rail joints?
Rail joints are mechanical fasteners (fishplates) used to connect rail ends, ensuring track continuity and strength. Common types include suspended (most common), supported (on a sleeper), bridge (supported by metal plates), insulated (for signaling), and compromise joints (joining different rail sizes).
Types of Rail Joints by Classification:
Based on Position of Sleepers:
- Suspended Joint: The joint is located between two sleepers, with the rail ends projecting.
- Supported Joint: The joint rests directly on a single, dedicated sleeper.
- Bridge Joint: Similar to a suspended joint but uses a metal bridge plate underneath to connect the rail ends.
Based on Position of Rails:
- Square/Even Joint: The joints are placed directly opposite each other on the same sleeper.
- Staggered/Broken Joint: The joints are staggered on opposite rails.
Based on Performance/Function:
- Ordinary Joint: Standard bolted joints.
- Compromise Joint: Connects rails of different sizes or profiles.
- Insulated/Joint: Uses insulation materials to prevent electrical conduction for signaling.
- Welded Joint: Rails are welded together, eliminating the need for traditional fishplates.
- Buffer/Expansion Joint: Allows for the expansion and contraction of rails due to temperature changes.
- Joggled/Bulge Joint: Used for emergency repair of broken or cracked welded 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. |
The size of Rail Joint
Rail joint sizes vary based on rail weight and application, ranging from light rail (8kg–30kg) to heavy rail (38kg–60kg) and crane rails (QU70–QU120). Common types include 4-hole (24-inch) or 6-hole (36-inch) configurations for 115RE to 136RE rails. They are designed to connect rail ends, allowing for expansion.
Key Rail Joint Sizes and Specifications
- Light Rail Joints: 8kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 22kg, 24kg, 30kg.
- Heavy Rail Joints: 38kg, 43kg, 50kg, 60kg, and standard AREMA 115RE/132RE-136RE models.
- Crane Rail Joints: QU70, QU80, QU100, QU120.
- Length & Weight (American Rail): 115RE, 4-hole-24 inch (17.04Kg) or 6-hole-36 inch (25.56Kg); 132-136RE, 4-hole-24 inch (17.75Kg) or 6-hole-36 inch (26.63Kg).
- International Standards: UIC (UIC54, UIC60), BS (BS80A, BS100A), DIN, and Chinese GB standards are commonly used.
| 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 | |
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.