Can standard rail 136 lbs be used for industrial crane runways?
Yes, 136RE (136 lb) rail can be used for industrial crane runways, but its application is generally reserved for specific types of heavy-duty, high-duty-cycle cranes. While it is primarily a railroad track section, it is frequently cross-utilized in industrial settings where standard crane rail profiles (like the "CR" series) are unavailable or where the runway design requires a "tall" rail profile.
1. 136RE vs. Specialized Crane Rail (CR Series)
Industrial cranes typically use Crane Rail (e.g., 105CR, 135CR, 175CR), which features a much wider head and a thicker web compared to standard tee-rails like the 136RE.
• Head Width: 136RE has a head width of 2-15/16" (74.61 mm). In contrast, a similar weight crane rail like 135CR has a much wider head to accommodate the wider, flat-tread wheels of heavy overhead cranes.
136re rail dimensions:
| 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 |
AMERICAN CRANE RAILS:
| CR104 (MRS51)* | American Standard | 127,00 | 127,00 | 63,50 | 25,40 | 66,40 | 51,59 |
| CR105 (MRS52)* | ArcelorMittal Specification | 131,80 | 131,80 | 65,10 | 23,80 | 66,40 | 52,09 |
| CR135 (MRS67)* | American Standard | 146,05 | 131,76 | 87,30 | 31,80 | 85,80 | 66,97 |
| CR171 (MRS85)* | American Standard | 152,40 | 152,40 | 109,20 | 31,80 | 108,38 | 84,83 |
| CR175(MRS87B)* | American Standard | 152,40 | 152,40 | 108,00 | 38,10 | 110,30 | 86,80 |
• Web Thickness: Crane rails are "squat" and thick to handle massive vertical point loads with minimal flexing. 136RE is "tall" (7 5/16"), which makes it more prone to web buckling or head-web fatigue if the crane's lateral forces are extreme and the rail is not properly supported.
2. Advantages of Using 136RE for Runways
- Vertical Stiffness: Because 136RE is a "tall" rail, it has a high Moment of Inertia. This makes it excellent for runways where the support centers (the distance between clips or stools) are wider, as the rail can bridge the gap without excessive deflection.
- Compatibility: It fits standard railroad-style fastening systems and can be easily welded using standard thermite or flash-butt kits.
136RE is suitable for industrial runways for light to medium-duty gantry or overhead cranes. However, for Class D, E, or F cranes (heavy-duty/continuous cycle), a specialized CR-series crane rail is superior because its wider head and lower center of gravity provide better stability and a longer service life under extreme wheel loads.
Material Grade Selection for Crane Runway Use
When using AREMA 136RE for crane runways, never choose standard carbon HH grade. The mechanical properties from the AREMA 2019 show that low alloy high strength (HH) offers 828 MPa minimum yield and 370 HBW minimum hardness – this is the absolute minimum for crane service.
Chemical Composition of AREMA Rail Steel:
| 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 |
Mechanical Properties of AREMA Rail Steel:
| AREMA 2019 | Strength Grade | Yield Strength N/mm2 |
Tension Strength N/mm2 |
Elongation % |
Brinell Hardness HBW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 511MIN | 983MIN | 10MIN | 310MIN |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 724MIN | 1069MIN | 10MIN | 350MIN | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 828MIN | 1179MIN | 10MIN | 370MIN | |
| Low Alloy Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 511MIN | 983MIN | 10MIN | 310MIN |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 552MIN | 1014MIN | 8MIN | 325MIN | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 828MIN | 1179MIN | 10MIN | 370MIN |
FAQ
Q1: What is your minimum order quantity for 136RE rail?
A: For standard 136re rail dimensions in carbon HH grade, our MOQ is 20 tonnes (approximately 300 meters of 25m length). For head-hardened low alloy grades, MOQ is 50 tonnes. Smaller trial orders may be possible – contact us to discuss.
Q2: Can you provide mill test certificates and third-party inspection?
A: Yes. Every shipment includes original mill test certificates showing chemical composition and mechanical properties per AREMA 2019. We also work with SGS, BV, or any independent inspector you choose – just specify "third-party inspection" in your inquiry.
Q3: What is the typical lead time for 136RE rail delivery?
A: For standard HH grade in 25m lengths – 2 to 3 weeks from order confirmation. For low alloy HH grade or special hardness – 4 to 6 weeks. For urgent projects, we have limited production slots this month for fast delivery.
Q4: Do you supply 136RE rail with pre-drilled holes or custom lengths?
A: Absolutely. Many customers need pre-drilled holes for joint bars or custom lengths to reduce on-site cutting. GNEE RAIL offers end-drilling, multiple-hole patterns, and lengths from 6m to 25m. Request a sample to check our workmanship.
Q5: Which hardness grade should I choose for heavy-haul curves?
A: For curves with radius under 800 meters and axle loads over 35 tonnes, select low alloy HH grade with minimum 370 HBW. For tangent tracks, intermediate strength (350 HBW) may suffice.
Q6: How do I know if your 136RE rail meets AREMA standards?
A: Our 136re rail profile, dimensions, and material grades are fully compliant with AREMA 2019. We provide dimensional inspection reports including head radius, 136re rail height, base width, and cross section area. You can also request a third-party audit before shipment.
Whether you choose AREMA 136RE or a dedicated crane rail, GNEE RAIL provides technical guidance and certified materials. Get your free quotation within 24 hours – share your crane wheel load, speed, and runway length. We will reply with a specification sheet and third-party inspection options.
