How Are 136RE Rail Dimensions Defined by AREMA Standards?
Under AREMA specifications, the 136RE rail section is defined by a combination of weight and precise geometric dimensions. The standard does not only specify that the rail must weigh 136 pounds per yard, but also provides detailed drawings that control every aspect of the 136RE rail profile, including the head, web, and base geometry.
These standardized drawings ensure that every AREMA 136RE rail produced globally maintains consistent shape, allowing seamless integration with fastening systems, sleepers, and other track components.
The 136RE rail (also known as AREMA 136RE rail, 136 lb rail, or 136 pound rail) is a standardized heavy rail section defined by the AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association). Its geometry, including 136RE rail dimensions, 136RE rail profile, and 136RE rail cross section area (~86.7 cm²), is strictly specified to ensure consistency, safety, and compatibility across railway systems. With a 136RE rail weight of 136 lb/yd (≈67.56 kg/m) and a rail height of approximately 186 mm, this rail is widely used in heavy haul and high-speed railway applications.
GNEE RAIL provides high-quality 136RE steel rail that follows AREMA standards closely, with stable dimensional accuracy and reliable performance, helping customers meet project requirements with confidence.
Detailed 136RE Rail Dimensions Defined by AREMA
The 136re rail profile is meticulously engineered to balance the heavy dynamic loads of locomotives. Below are the precise 136re rail dimensions defined by the AREMA Standards:
TR68 Drawings：
| Profile | Standard | Dimensions mm | Section S | Mass m | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | B | C | D | E | cm² | kg/m | ||
| American standard | ||||||||
| 136RE (TR68) | AREMA | 185,70 | 152,40 | 74,60 | 49,20 | 17,50 | 85,90 | 67,50 |
Material Grades of the 136 RE Steel Rail
The AREMA 136RE rail is only as strong as the steel chemistry used to cast it. Depending on the traffic volume, gross tonnage, and curvature of your railway, the 136 RE steel rail undergoes specific thermal treatments to enhance its mechanical properties:
- Standard Carbon (SS): Offers high tensile strength (typically ≥ 880 MPa), making it highly suitable for straight, tangent tracks with standard freight movement.
- Head Hardened (HH): Features deep, uniform hardness in the rail head (tensile strength ≥ 1180 MPa) to combat extreme wear and rolling contact fatigue. This grade is essential for sharp curves and high-density freight corridors.
| AERMA 2019 | Strength Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Ni | Cr | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | 0.74–0.86 | 0.10–0.60 | 0.75–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.010 | |
| Low Alloy Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–0.50 | 0.80–1.10 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.25–0.40 | ≤0.010 |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–1.00 | 0.70–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.40–0.70 | ≤0.010 | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–1.00 | 0.70–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.40–0.70 | ≤0.010 |
Frequently Asked Question
Q: What is the lifespan of an AREMA 136RE rail compared to lighter profiles?
A: Due to its massive head volume and larger cross-sectional area, the 136RE can handle hundreds of millions of gross tons (MGT) before requiring replacement or deep grinding. It significantly outlasts lighter 115RE or 119RE profiles in heavy-haul environments.
Q: Can the 136RE rail be flash-butt welded for CWR tracks?
A: Absolutely. The chemical composition of our rails is highly suited for Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) applications. Flash-butt welding or aluminothermic welding provides a seamless, high-strength joint that perfectly matches the integrity of the rail itself.
Q: How do I choose the right fasteners for this specific profile?
A: The 6-inch base and 11/16-inch web require specific heavy-duty tie plates, shoulder inserts, and elastic clips (such as E-clips or SKL tension clamps) designed for AREMA standards. Utilizing the correct fasteners is critical to prevent track buckling and maintain gauge integrity.
For projects using AREMA 136RE rail, dimensional consistency is often more important than just meeting nominal values. GNEE RAIL controls the full process from raw material selection to final inspection, ensuring each 136RE rail maintains stable 136RE rail dimensions, accurate rail profile, and consistent cross section area.
Each delivery can be accompanied by dimensional inspection data and material reports, which is especially useful for projects requiring strict documentation. For installation efficiency, rails can also be supplied with pre-cut lengths, drilling based on drawings, and identification marking, helping reduce on-site workload and avoid fitting issue
Need to verify if this heavy-duty profile perfectly aligns with your upcoming track construction? Connect with our engineering team today to receive customized track solutions, comprehensive CAD drawings, precise material grade recommendations, and accurate delivery timelines to keep your project moving forward.
