A rail fish plate is a mechanical continuity component that allows jointed rails to behave similarly to a continuous beam by transmitting bending and shear forces through bolted connections. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates matched to GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A-series, QU crane rails, JIS standards, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rail sections, with dimensional inspection prior to shipment.
What is a compromise rail joint?
A compromise rail joint is a specialized connector designed to join two railway tracks with different profiles, sizes, or wear levels (e.g., connecting a 136RE rail to a 115RE rail). It features a unique, asymmetrical shape at each end to maintain proper gauge and running surface alignment, ensuring a smooth transition for train wheels.
What size bolts are typically used for transition rail joints?
Transition rail joints (compromise joints) typically use high-strength, heavy-duty bolts, commonly ranging from M20 to M24 in metric sizes or roughly 1-inch in diameter for imperial standards, such as A-490. These bolts secure specially designed fishplates connecting different rail sizes, ensuring structural integrity and proper alignment.
- Common Metric Sizes: rail fastener M20, M22, or M24 bolts.
- Common Imperial Sizes: 1-inch, 1-1/8 inch, or 1-1/4 inch diameter bolts are frequent in heavy-haul or crane applications.
- Bolt Type: High-strength bolts, such as A-490 or 10.9 grade.
- Configuration: Usually a 4-hole or 6-hole configuration, with 6-hole joints often used for higher strength.
Transition joints connect rails of different sizes or weights (e.g., a 60kg/m rail to a 50kg/m rail), requiring precise, high-strength fastening to manage stress.
Specifications of Compromise rail joint
Compromise rail joints (or compromise joints) are specialized, asymmetrical rail connectors used to join rails of different sizes, heights, or sections, such as 136RE-115RE, 136RE-132RE, or UIC60-P50. They feature varied end geometries, typically with 4 or 6 bolt holes, and are engineered to align the rail head (gauge side) to maintain track alignment, usually in paired left-hand and right-hand sets.
| No. | Type | Material | Unit weight (kg/pc) | Remark |
| 1 | 136RE-115RE | 55# | 27.5 | 4pcs per set |
| 2 | 136RE-132RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 3 | 141RE-136RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 4 | 141RE-132RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 5 | 100-8 of 1/8″ vertical off | 55# | 15.6 | 2pcs per set |
| 6 | 100-8 of 3/8″ vertical off | 55# | 15.6 | 2pcs per set |
| 7 | UIC60-P50 | 55# | 23 | 2pcs per set |
| 8 | BS80A-115RE | 55# | 20 | 2pcs per set |
| 9 | UIC60 thermit welded joint | 55# | 18 | 2pcs per set |
| Material and bar length can be customized upon buyer request. | ||||
Material of Compromise rail fish plate：Grade 55# Steel
| Element | Standard Requirement (%) | Notes / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.52 – 0.60 | Provides high strength and hardness. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 0.80 | Increases hardenability and strength; neutralizes sulfur. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.17 – 0.37 | Deoxidizer; enhances strength and elastic limit. |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035 | Harmful element. Strictly controlled to prevent hot shortness. |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035 | Harmful element. Strictly controlled to prevent cold shortness. |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.25 | Residual element (typically not intentionally added). |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.30 | Residual element (typically not intentionally added). |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.25 | Residual element. |
Technical Parameters for Grade 55# Fishplates
| Parameter | Symbol | Standard Requirement | Test Method / Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Rm | ≥ 785 MPa | Primary indicator for load-bearing capacity. |
| Yield Strength | Rp0.2 | ≥ 520 MPa | Defines resistance to plastic deformation. |
| Elongation | A | ≥ 9 % | Measures ductility and ensures adequate toughness. |
| Reduction of Area | Z | ≥ 20 % | Another crucial ductility indicator. |
| Brinell Hardness | HBW | 227 – 388 | Measured at specified locations on the sample/product. Correlates positively with strength. |
| Cold Bend Test | – | Bend angle: 30° Mandrel diameter: d=0 |
Critical technological test. After bending 30° around a mandrel diameter of zero (i.e., flattened or tight wrap), the bent surface must show no cracks. This is a very stringent requirement, verifying exceptional toughness under severe deformation. |
| Microstructure | – | Primarily Pearlite + Ferrite Grain Size: Grade 5-8 |
Achieved via normalizing heat treatment. Uniformity is vital for overall performance. |
| Impact Toughness | AKU / KV2 | Typically ≥ 25 J (at room temperature) | May not be explicitly defined in the standard, but reputable manufacturers control this to ensure low-temperature toughness. |
| Applicable Rail Sections | – | 43 kg/m, 50 kg/m, 60 kg/m, 75 kg/m | Suitable for mainstream and heavy-haul railway lines in China. |
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.
Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.
