A rail fish plate is a load-transfer device installed at rail joints to maintain geometric continuity and structural stability, limiting rail end deflection and vibration under passing traffic. It is critical to the durability of jointed track. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY offers fish plates for GB light and heavy rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120 crane rails, QU70–QU120 crane rails, JIS rails, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rails, and AREMA/ASCE standards, along with integrated supply of bolts and washers.
What is the primary function of a fish plate?
The primary function of a fish plate (also known as a joint bar, splice bar, or angle bar) is to securely connect two adjacent rail ends in a railway track, maintaining continuity, proper alignment, and structural stability in both horizontal and vertical planes. It enables smooth load transfer between rails and accommodates thermal expansion and contraction.
- Joining Rails: Bolted to the side of rails to connect them at joints.
- Maintaining Alignment: Keeps rail ends level and aligned, preventing vertical or lateral deflection under train loads.
- Load Distribution: Transfers wheel loads from one rail to the next, reducing impact on the rail joint.
- Structural Support: Strengthens railway tracks, shoring, ship masts, or custom frames.
- Expansion Allowance: Allows necessary gaps for steel expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Weight of Railway Fish Plate
Railway fish plates (joint bars) vary significantly in weight based on the rail type, typically ranging from 10–28 kg per plate for heavy rails and lighter for smaller rails. Common weights include 17–25 kg for 60 kg rails, 14–20 kg for UIC54 rails, and under 10 kg for light rail.
- Heavy Rail (38kg–75kg): Approximately 15–28 kg per plate.
- 60 kg Rail: Ranges from 17.47 kg to 18.1 kg per plate, according to UIC standards.
- 52 kg Rail: Approximately 52 kg per unit.
- Light Rail (8kg–30kg): Lighter, commonly used for mining or temporary track.
- Bolt Holes: Typically 4-hole or 6-hole, with 6-hole being common for heavier rails.
| 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 | |
Types of fish plate in railway
| 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.