Which Joint Bars Are Compatible with 115RE and TR57 Rails?
Selecting the correct joint bar (historically referred to as a fishplate) is critical to maintaining track alignment, load transfer, and overall operational safety. The 115RE rail (115 lb/yd) is one of the most widely used rail profiles in North America under AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) standards. In international markets, particularly in South America, this same profile is frequently designated as the TR57 rail (representing approximately 57 kg/m). Because these profiles share virtually identical geometry, their joint bar requirements are highly compatible.
This guide examines the specific joint bars designed for 115RE and TR57 rails, their technical specifications, and key selection factors for railway infrastructure projects.
1. Understanding the Compatibility: 115RE and TR57 Rails
The 115RE rail section is defined by AREMA specifications, while the TR57 designation is commonly used in metric-based systems following similar dimensional parameters. The physical cross-section of both rails is characterized by:
| Size | Rail height(mm) | Bottom Width(mm) | Head Width(mm) | Web Thickness(mm) | Weight(kg/m) |
| 90lb 90ARA-A (TR45) | 142.9 | 130.2 | 65.1 | 14.3 | 44.65 |
| 100lb 100RE | 152.4 | 136.5 | 68.3 | 14.3 | 50.34 |
| 115lb 115RE (TR57) | 168.3 | 139.7 | 69.1 | 15.9 | 56.9 |
| 119lb 119RE | 173.1 | 139.7 | 67.5 | 15.9 | 58.86 |
| 132lb 132RE | 180.9 | 152.4 | 76.2 | 16.6 | 65.58 |
| 133lb 133RE | 179.39 | 152.4 | 76.2 | 17.46 | 66.1 |
| 136lb 136RE (TR68) | 185.7 | 152.4 | 74.6 | 17.5 | 67.5 |
| 141lb 141RE | 188.91 | 152.4 | 77.79 | 17.46 | 69.94 |
Because the fishing height (the space between the underside of the rail head and the top of the rail base) is identical for both 115RE and TR57 rails, joint bars designed for the 115RE profile are typically fully compatible with TR57 rails.
2. AREMA Standard Rail Joint – 115 Rail Joint Bar
The AREMA 115RE Rail Joint Bar (also known as a fishplate or splice bar) is a critical track component designed to connect two sections of 115 lb/yd standard rail. By securing the rail web with track bolts, these bars ensure proper alignment, facilitate the transfer of wheel loads, and maintain overall track stability. They are widely utilized across North American freight lines, industrial sidings, and short-line railroads.
Joint bars are customizable based on the specific operational requirements of the track section:
- Hole Configurations: Available in 4-hole (24-inch) for standard applications and 6-hole (36-inch) for mainline or heavy-duty use to improve load distribution.
- Hole Geometry: Can be manufactured with round or oval holes.
- Specialized Types: Options include standard, insulated, or customized designs for specific project needs.
- Compromise Bars: Specialized bars are available to connect the 115RE profile to different rail sizes during repairs or upgrades.
| Standard Drilling | 3-1/2" X 6" or 3-1/2" X 6" X 6" with 1-1/8" dia. holes |
| Joint Bar Length | 24" or 36" |
| 4-Hole Joint Bar Weight (no hardware) | 68 lbs/pr |
| 4-Hole Joint Bar Weight (with hardware) | 76 lbs/pr |
| 6-Hole Joint Bar Weight (no hardware) | 102 lbs/pr |
| 6-Hole Joint Bar Weight (with hardware) | 110 lbs/pr |
| Track Bolt | 1" X 6" |
3. Key Considerations for Selection and Installation
When sourcing joint bars for 115RE or TR57 tracks, several factors must be considered to ensure a secure, long-lasting connection:
- Standard vs. Compromise Joint Bars: If connecting a 115RE rail to a different section (such as a 132RE or 100RE rail), a standard joint bar cannot be used. A specialized compromise joint bar (step joint) must be utilized to align the running surfaces and gauge faces of the differing rail heads.
- Insulated Joint Bars: For track segments utilizing track circuits for signaling, insulated joint bars (either polyurethane-coated steel or fiberglass-bonded matrix) are required to prevent electrical current from bypassing the joint. These must maintain the exact same profile fit as standard steel bars.
- Hole Punching/Drilling Configurations: Ensure the hole spacing (drill pattern) of the joint bar aligns precisely with the pre-drilled holes in the rail ends. Mismatched drilling can lead to bolt shear or localized rail web cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the primary difference between a 115RE rail and a TR57 rail?
A: Nominally, they represent the same profile. 115RE is the designation under North American AREMA standards, while TR57 is a metric-equivalent designation (representing 57 kg/m) frequently referenced in South American and some European technical specifications.
Q2: What grade of steel is typically used for 115RE joint bars?
A: They are typically manufactured from hot-worked, quenched carbon steel in compliance with AREMA specifications to ensure adequate tensile strength and fatigue resistance under cyclic loading.
Q3: Do 115RE joint bars require specific bolts?
A: Yes, they are generally designed to accommodate standard oval-neck or elliptical-neck track bolts, typically 1 inch or 1-1/8 inches in diameter, accompanied by heavy duty spring washers to prevent loosening.