A rail fish plate is a steel joint bar whose purpose is to maintain rail-end alignment and structural cooperation under dynamic loading conditions in jointed track. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates covering GB 8–60 kg/m, UIC50/UIC54/UIC60, DIN536 A-series, QU70/80/100/120, JIS rail sections, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with coordinated export logistics.
Are fish plates used on all types of rail?
Fish plates (or rail joint bars) are not used on all types of rail, though they are standard components for joining rail ends in most traditional, light, heavy, and crane railway systems. While essential for bolted joint track, they are generally not used in continuously welded rail (CWR), which is common in high-speed, modern, and heavy-haul lines.
Key Details on Fish Plate Usage:
- Types of Rails Supported: They are designed for various rail weights, including light rail (8–30kg), heavy rail (38–60kg), and specialized crane rails.
- Types of Joints: Used for ordinary rail joints, insulating joints, and compromise joints (connecting different rail heights).
| Classification Category | Type of Rail Joint | Core Definition / Key Characteristics |
| By Position on Track | Square Joint | Joints on parallel rails are aligned opposite each other. Common on straight tracks; simple but causes more impact. |
| Staggered Joint | Joints on one rail are opposite the mid-point of the adjacent rail. Primarily used on curves to reduce forces and improve ride quality. | |
| By Position of Sleepers | Supported Joint | Rail ends rest directly on a single "joint sleeper". Minimizes deflection but creates a rigid, high-maintenance point. |
| Suspended Joint | Rail ends are located between two sleepers. The most common type; offers flexibility but requires more frequent maintenance. | |
| Bridge Joint | Similar to suspended, but uses a metal bridge plate to connect rails on either side of the joint. Not widely used. | |
| By Performance & Application | Ordinary (Bolted) Joint | Standard connection using fishplates and bolts. Cost-effective, allows for thermal expansion. |
| Compromise Joint | Connects two rails of different sizes/profiles. Uses specially shaped fishplates to ensure a smooth transition. | |
| Conductive Joint | Ensures electrical continuity between rail sections for traction current and signaling, using conductive materials. | |
| Insulated Joint (IRJ) | Electrically isolates rail sections for signaling systems. Uses insulating materials between rails and plates. | |
| Welded Joint | Rail ends are fused together (e.g., thermite welding). Creates Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) for a smoother, stronger track. | |
| Frozen Joint | A defective condition where tight or corroded fishplates prevent thermal expansion/contraction, leading to high stress. | |
| Expansion Joint (REJ) | Allows controlled longitudinal rail movement (e.g., on bridges) to prevent buckling or breakage due to temperature changes. |
- Limitations: While they provide a stable, traditional connection, they can introduce weak points under heavy axle loads (25–30 tons) and require more maintenance than welded rails.
- Alternatives: Modern railways often opt for continuous welding, which eliminates the need for joints in the middle of the track, reducing noise and maintenance.
Specifications of Various Standards of Railway Fish Plate
Railway fish plates (joint bars) are specialized steel components designed to connect rail ends, ensuring track continuity and stability. They are manufactured to strict standards, commonly using carbon steel (grades like Q235, 45#, 50#, 55Q, 71Mn) and produced according to AREMA, BS, UIC, or RDSO standards. Key specifications include high-strength, fatigue-resistant steel, typically normalized, with 4 or 6 bolted holes for heavy-duty, standard, or insulated applications.
- AREMA Standards (USA/Canada): Used for heavy haulage, standard sizes include 115RE, 119RE, 132RE, 136RE, 141RE.
| 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 |
- BS Standard (British): Common profiles include BS75R, BS80A, BS90A, BS100A, and BS113A, with high tensile strength (550-650 MPa).
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| 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 |
- UIC Standard (International): Commonly UIC60 fish plates.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| 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 |
- RDSO Standards (India): Adheres to T-1-2012, requiring specific chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical properties, often with a minimum hardness of 175 BHN.
- Chinese Standards: Covers a wide range of rail weights: 8kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 22kg, 24kg, 30kg (using 55Q/Q235B steel) and 38kg, 43kg, 50kg, 60kg (using 45Mn/71Mn steel).
| GB15KG | 15.2 | YB226-63 | Q235,45# |
| GB18KG | 18.06 | YB225-63 | |
| GB22KG | 22.3 | YB14-63 | |
| GB24KG | 24.46 | ||
| GB30KG | 30.1 | YB351-63 | |
| GB38KG | 38.733 | TB/T 2345-2008 | 45#,55# |
| GB43KG | 44.653 | ||
| GB50KG | 51.514 |
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.
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