Can a rail joint bar be used for light rail?

A rail fish plate is a load-sharing component that distributes wheel loads and lateral forces across rail joints, reducing stress concentration and rail-end damage. GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates for GB light and heavy rails, UIC standards, DIN536 A-series crane rails, QU crane rails, JIS rails, AS1085 sections, BS11 rails, and AREMA/ASCE profiles, providing optional anti-corrosion coatings and logistics support.

Can a rail joint bar be used for light rail?

Yes, rail joint bars (also known as fishplates or splice bars) are commonly used for light rail, as they securely connect rail ends, ensure structural continuity, and help manage expansion/contraction. Specific, smaller-sized joint bars are designed for light rail applications, typically ranging from 8kg to 30kg rail weights.

Key Aspects of Light Rail Joint Bars:

• Purpose: Used to connect, fasten, and strengthen the rail joints, which are critical for safe, aligned track maintenance.

• Types: Often available in 4-hole configurations for lighter, smaller rails, supporting easy installation and cost-effectiveness.

• Compatibility: They are compatible with various light rail standards, such as 8kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 22kg, 24kg, and 30kg, notes this source and this source.

• Function: These bars reduce wheel impact on the rail, improving the smoothness of the train, explains this source.

Light rail joints are essential for maintaining, repairing, and ensuring the safety of light-rail infrastructure.

Drawing of Rail Joint Bar

12 kg/m joint bar

15 kg/m joint bar

30 kg/m joint bar

22 kg/m joint bar

How does a rail joint function?

A rail joint functions by connecting two rail ends using fishplates (joint bars), bolts, and washers to ensure structural continuity, allowing safe train passage. It serves to hold rail ends in alignment, accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, and provide structural support, often acting as the weakest link in the track requiring regular maintenance.

Key Functions of a Rail Joint:

• Structural Connection: Joins rail sections together to form a continuous track, allowing train wheels to pass over smoothly.

• Thermal Expansion/Contraction: Enables rails to expand or contract with temperature changes, preventing track buckling.

• Alignment & Stability: Holds the rail ends in the correct vertical and horizontal position to maintain track geometry.

• Shock Absorption: Reduces the impact forces from train wheels at the joint, ensuring a smoother ride.

• Signaling Circuitry: In some cases, insulated joints (insulated rail joints) are used to electrically separate sections of track for signaling.

Key Components of a Rail Joint:

• Fishplates (Joint Bars): Steel bars placed on both sides of the rail web.

• Fish Bolts: High-strength bolts that pass through the fishplates and rail web to fasten them.

• Spring Washers: Used to maintain bolt tension and prevent loosening due to vibration.

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.