What are the fish plates on railway tracks?
Fish plates (or splice bars) are robust metal plates bolted to the sides of two rail ends to join them into a continuous, aligned track. They are critical safety components that prevent rails from shifting, spreading, or separating under heavy train loads. Their tapered design ensures smooth vertical and horizontal alignment.
GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB 8–60 kg/m, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70–QU120, JIS 15KG–CR100, AS1085 31–89 kg, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with bolt torque guidance and on-site technical support.
| 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 | |
Key Aspects of Fish Plates:
- Function: They connect rail ends, maintain proper spacing, and ensure stability and electrical continuity.
- Structure: Typically made of steel, they feature 4 or 6 holes for bolts, which are tightened to secure the joint while allowing for expansion and contraction.
Types:
- Ordinary: Standard joint for connecting two rails.
- Insulated: Used in electrified, signaled tracks to prevent current leakage.
- Compromise: Connects rails of different heights or sections.
- Joggled/Emergency: Used to quickly repair broken rails or welds.
| 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 function of rail splice bars?
Rail splice bars (or fishplates) connect the ends of two rail sections to create a continuous, stable, and safe track. They maintain structural integrity by ensuring alignment, allowing for thermal expansion, and distributing loads across joints, which reduces wheel impact and prevents derailments.
Key functions of rail splice bars include:
- Connecting Rails: They join rail ends together securely using bolts or welds, bridging the gap between them.
- Structural Support & Alignment: They keep the rail heads and bases aligned, ensuring a smooth, continuous track for trains.
- Load Distribution: By spanning the joint, they distribute the weight of the train from one rail end to the next, reducing the impact on the track structure.
- Thermal Expansion Management: They allow for small gaps between rail ends to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, preventing the tracks from buckling.
- Safety and Stability: They ensure the stability of the track for both light and heavy rail systems.
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.