What is the weight of a rail?

Steel Rails are the key parts of the rail track laid in two parallel lines to provide a continuous, steady and level surface for the runnings of trains. Heavier train and fast speed requires higher requirements to withstand stresses, so they are produced from high carbon steel (carbon -0.6 % to 0.8 %, manganese 0.8%-1.3 %, silicon 0.1 % -0.5 %, sulphur and phosphorus0.03 % maximum each, and aluminum 0.015 % maximum).

What is the weight of a rail?

The weight of steel rails is measured in pounds per yard (lbs/yd) or kilograms per meter (kg/m), while the length is typically measured in feet or meters. The standard weight and length specifications for steel rails vary depending on the type of rail and the application.

• Light Rail:

Light rail is used in light-duty applications, such as light-rail transit (LRT) systems or industrial tracks. The standard weight for light rail ranges from 30 lbs/yd (14.88 kg/m) to 50 lbs/yd (24.79 kg/m), while the standard length is typically 30 feet (9.14 meters) or 36 feet (10.97 meters).

• Standard Rail:

Standard rail is the most commonly used type of rail for heavy-duty applications, such as mainline tracks and heavy-haul lines. The standard weight for standard rail ranges from 90 lbs/yd (44.61 kg/m) to 141 lbs/yd (69.96 kg/m), while the standard length is typically 39 feet (11.89 meters) or 80 feet (24.38 meters).

• Heavy Rail:

Heavy rail is used in the heaviest-duty applications, such as heavy-haul lines and high-speed rail systems. The standard weight for heavy rail ranges from 136 lbs/yd (67.33 kg/m) to 175 lbs/yd (86.58 kg/m), while the standard length is typically 80 feet (24.38 meters) or 120 feet (36.58 meters).

Factors affecting steel rail weight

Factors affecting steel rail weight include train speed, axle load, traffic volume, track geometry, and environmental conditions, with heavier, stronger rails needed for high-speed lines and heavy-haul freight to ensure stability, reduce wear, and minimize vibration, while lighter rails suffice for urban trams or slower lines, balancing performance with cost.

• Axle Load: Heavier locomotives and freight mean greater pressure, requiring thicker, heavier rails to prevent crushing and excessive wear.

• Train Speed: Higher speeds increase impact and vibration, necessitating heavier rails for stability, especially on high-speed passenger lines (e.g., 60-75 kg/m).

• Traffic Volume (Annual Tonnage): High-density routes need heavier rails to resist fatigue and deformation over time, increasing service life.

• Track Type: Mainlines use heavier rails than industrial sidings or urban light rail (LRT) systems, which have lighter loads and speeds.

Steel Rails-Hot Standards from GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY

As a professional rail fastener supplier, GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAYcan provide different standard steel rail such as American, BS, UIC, DIN, JIS, Australian and South Africa which used in railway lines, cranes and coal mining.

Get A Quote& Drawing