What is a track joint?
A track joint (or rail joint) is a structural component used to connect two rail ends in a railway, ensuring structural integrity, vertical alignment, and electrical continuity. Primarily using fish plates/joint bars, bolts, and washers, these joints manage thermal expansion and contraction while providing a smooth surface for trains.
GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY provides fish plates suitable for GB rails, UIC profiles, DIN536 and QU crane rail systems, JIS rail types, AS1085 rails, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE rail sections, with optional corrosion-resistant surface treatments.
| 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 | |
4 hole rail fish plate vs 6 hole rail joint bar
4-hole and 6-hole rail fish plates (joint bars) serve to join rail ends, with the primary difference being length and structural strength. 4-hole plates (typically 24 inches) are used for standard or lighter loads, while 6-hole plates (typically 36 inches) are longer, providing increased stability and stronger, more durable connections for heavier, high-speed rail traffic.
4-Hole Rail Fish Plate (Fishplate/Joint Bar)
- Length: Commonly 24 inches.
- Weight: Lighter (e.g., ~17kg for 115RE/132RE).
- Usage: Standard-duty railroad tracks, mining, or crane rails.
- Features: Provides adequate strength for standard loads and easier installation due to shorter length.
6-Hole Rail Joint Bar (Fishplate/Splice Bar)
- Length: Commonly 36 inches.
- Weight: Heavier (e.g., ~25-26kg for 115RE/132RE).
- Usage: High-load, heavy-haul, or high-speed railway tracks.
- Features: Offers superior stability, reduces sinking at joints, and handles higher impact from wheels.
| Feature | 4-Hole Fish Plate | 6-Hole Joint Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Shorter (e.g., 24") | Longer (e.g., 36") |
| Weight | Lighter (~17 kg) | Heavier (~26 kg) |
| Load Capacity | Standard/Light | High/Heavy-duty |
| Application | Typical trackage | High-speed/Heavy-haul |
| Stability | Moderate | High |
What is the function of rail joints?
Rail joints (or fishplates) are crucial railway components that connect two rail ends together, ensuring structural continuity for safe train passage. They maintain precise horizontal and vertical alignment, allow for essential rail expansion/contraction due to temperature changes, and distribute heavy wheel loads, acting as a critical, albeit weak, link in track infrastructure.
- Connecting Rails: They fasten the ends of two rails together using fish bolts and nuts to create a continuous track.
- Maintaining Alignment: They hold rail ends securely in both horizontal and vertical planes, ensuring a smooth path for trains.
- Allowing Expansion/Contraction: They permit longitudinal movement of the rails, accommodating expansion and contraction caused by temperature variations.
- Distributing Load: They manage the high stress and heavy impact forces from traffic, reducing strain on the track structure.
- Signal Continuity: Insulated rail joints are used to create signal blocks for detecting train positions.
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.