A rail fish plate is a mechanical coupling device that aligns rail head, web, and base across joint locations, ensuring continuous load paths and limiting joint deflection during train passage. It is critical for track safety in jointed rail systems and industrial railways. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates suitable for GB, UIC, DIN536, QU, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards, including special designs for crane rails and heavy-load tracks, supported by technical consultation and supply coordination.
What is the size of fish plate in railway?
Railway fish plates, also known as joint bars, splice bars, or rail joints, are steel plates designed to connect two rails, typically measuring 200–600mm in length (or up to 1000mm for special joints) and 20–30mm in thickness. Common sizes include 305mm x 127mm x 38mm for standard lines and specialized, longer plates for UIC60 or 52kg rails.
Key Details Regarding Fish Plate Sizes:
- Length: Standard fish plates generally range between 200mm to 600mm. However, heavy-duty or special rail joints, such as those for 50kg or 60kg rails, can be 800mm to 1100mm long.
- Thickness: The standard thickness typically ranges from 20mm to 30mm.
- Hole Pattern: They generally feature 4 or 6 bolt holes for secure fastening.
- Weight: Depending on the rail type, a fish plate can weigh over 29 kg.
| 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. |
Common Applications:
- 60kg (UIC) Rail: 686mm long (RDSO/T-1898).
- 52kg Rail: Emergency plates are available in 1-meter lengths.
- BS No. 90R Rail: 610mm long.
- Crane Rails: 760mm–820mm (QU70/QU80).
| 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 | |
Why use a rail joint?
Rail joints (or fishplates) are crucial for connecting steel rail ends together to ensure track continuity, strength, and safety. They maintain proper alignment and spacing, allowing rails to safely expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing buckling or breakage, and allowing for easy track installation, maintenance, or replacement.
Here are the key reasons to use rail joints:
- Accommodate Thermal Expansion: They allow for small gaps between rail ends to manage expansion in summer and contraction in winter.
- Ensure Structural Integrity: They maintain horizontal and vertical alignment of the rails, providing a stable, connected track.
- Facilitate Installation and Repairs: They are easier to install and replace than welded joints, especially when repairing damaged sections.
- Support Load Transfer: They securely link rail ends together to maintain stability and prevent the track from separating under train weight.
- Signal Isolation: Insulated rail joints (IRJs) are used specifically to break electrical circuits for signal 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.