A rail fish plate is a joint stabilization component that maintains precise rail alignment in both horizontal and vertical planes, ensuring consistent wheel–rail contact and minimizing dynamic impact forces at joints. It is fundamental to track smoothness in jointed systems. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY provides fish plates engineered for GB, UIC, DIN536, QU, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards, and supports customers with joint layout planning and fastening system compatibility checks.
What are the three types of rail joints?
The three main types of rail joints based on sleeper position are supported joints (sleeper directly under the joint), suspended joints (joint between two sleepers), and bridge joints (supported by a bridge plate). Other common functional types include bolted, compromise (for different rail sizes), and insulated joints.
Key Types of Rail Joints:
- Supported Joint: A sleeper is placed directly under the rail joint, reducing wear but making the joint rigid.
- Suspended Joint: The rail joint is suspended between two sleepers, which is common in many railway systems.
- Bridge Joint: Similar to a suspended joint, but supported by a metal bridge plate on both sides.
What is the function of a railroad joint?
A railroad joint (or fishplate) connects two rail ends to create a continuous, secure, and aligned track, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction while transferring heavy vertical loads to sleepers. They maintain structural integrity, guide trains smoothly, and are critical for enabling track flexibility in conventional rail construction.
Key Functions of a Railroad Joint:
- Connecting Rail Sections: They hold two adjacent rail ends securely in position.
- Expansion and Contraction: They permit the rail to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing thermal stress.
- Load Distribution: They distribute heavy vertical wheel loads from one rail to the next and down to the sleepers.
- Ensuring Continuity: They provide a smooth and continuous rolling surface for train wheels.
- Maintaining Gauge: They assist in holding the correct distance (gauge) between rails.
Material of rail joint
| Material Type | Typical Grade / Designation | Chemical Composition (wt%) | Notes / Equivalent Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q235 (GB/T 700) | C: ≤0.22 Si: ≤0.35 Mn: 0.30-0.65 P: ≤0.045 S: ≤0.045 |
Common mild steel for general joint bars. Similar to ASTM A36, S235JR. |
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q255 (GB/T 700) | C: 0.18-0.28 Si: ≤0.35 Mn: 0.40-0.70 P: ≤0.045 S: ≤0.045 |
Slightly higher strength than Q235. |
| Medium Carbon Steel | 50Mn / 50BA (GOST 10779) | C: 0.47-0.55 Si: 0.17-0.37 Mn: 0.80-1.20 P: ≤0.040 S: ≤0.045 |
Classic high-strength fish plate steel. Widely used for mainline joints. |
| Medium Carbon Steel | 55# (GB/T 699) | C: 0.52-0.60 Si: 0.17-0.37 Mn: 0.50-0.80 P: ≤0.035 S: ≤0.035 |
Standard medium carbon steel for demanding applications. Similar to AISI 1055. |
| Alloy Steel | 42CrMo (GB/T 3077) | C: 0.38-0.45 Si: 0.17-0.37 Mn: 0.50-0.80 Cr: 0.90-1.20 Mo: 0.15-0.25 P: ≤0.035 S: ≤0.035 |
High-strength, high-toughness alloy for severe service. Similar to AISI 4140/4142. |
| Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron | QT450-10 (GB/T 1348) | C: 3.60-3.90 Si: 2.00-3.00 Mn: ≤0.50 P: ≤0.07 S: ≤0.015 Mg: 0.03-0.06 (Nodulizer) |
Used in some traditional/joint kits for its castability and damping properties. Similar to EN-GJS-450-10. |
| Insulating Composite Material | Epoxy Fiberglass / FRP | Base: Epoxy Resin Reinforcement: E-Glass Fiber (>60%) Additives: Hardener, fillers (e.g., SiO₂) |
No metallic elements. Provides electrical insulation (Resistivity >10¹² Ω·cm), corrosion resistance. |
Hot Fish Plate from GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY:
| 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.