What Is the Difference Between DIN S20 Rail and GB 22 kg Rail?
DIN S20 and GB 22 kg are both light rail profiles, but they are manufactured to different standards and have different cross-sectional dimensions. The main differences are their standard, linear mass, profile geometry, and compatibility with existing rail fastening and wheel systems.
- Standard & Linear Mass: DIN S20 conforms to DIN 5901 and has a nominal linear mass of 19.80 kg/m. GB 22 kg conforms to GB/T 11264 and has a nominal linear mass of 22.30 kg/m.
- Cross-Section Geometry: DIN S20 has a 100 mm rail height, 82 mm base width, 44 mm head width, and 7 mm web thickness. GB 22 kg has a 93.66 mm rail height, 93.66 mm base width, 50.80 mm head width, and 10.72 mm web thickness. Compared with DIN S20, GB 22 kg has a wider base, wider head, and thicker web, while DIN S20 has a taller and narrower profile.
- Structural Characteristics: The thicker web and wider base of GB 22 kg provide greater cross-sectional material and lateral stiffness. DIN S20 uses a lighter, taller profile with a narrower base. These geometric differences affect load distribution, rail-seat requirements, and wheel-to-rail contact.
- Interchangeability: DIN S20 and GB 22 kg should not be considered directly interchangeable. Although both are light rails, their different base widths, head dimensions, rail heights, and fastening requirements mean that replacement should be checked against the existing rail clips, rail seats, wheel profile, axle load, and track design before substitution.
- Selection: For a project designed to DIN 5901 S20, DIN S20 should be specified. For a track designed to GB/T 11264 22 kg rail, GB 22 kg should be used. When replacing an existing profile with an alternative standard, dimensional and fastening compatibility should be verified before ordering.
GNEE RAIL Supply & Technical Support
GNEE RAIL supplies DIN S20 and GB 22 kg light rails with profile-specific technical data, dimensional inspection, material documentation, and EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates (MTC) available according to project requirements. Rail lengths, material grades, processing requirements, fastening components, and export packaging can be specified according to the application and project drawings.
Need to confirm the right profile for your project?
1. Overview & Standard Comparison: DIN 5901 S20 vs. GB/T 11264 22 kg Rail
What Is DIN S20 Light Rail?
DIN S20 is a light rail profile specified under DIN 5901. It has a nominal linear mass of 19.80 kg/m and is used for light-duty railway and industrial track applications where the S20 profile and DIN 5901 dimensions are specified. Typical applications include narrow-gauge tracks, mining and industrial transport lines, workshop tracks, and material-handling systems.
What Is GB 22 kg Steel Rail?
GB 22 kg steel rail is a light rail profile specified under GB/T 11264, with a nominal linear mass of 22.30 kg/m. It is commonly used for mining tracks, industrial material-handling lines, construction-site tracks, and other light-duty railway applications. Compared with DIN S20, the GB 22 kg profile has a wider base, wider rail head, and thicker web, resulting in a different cross-sectional geometry and fastening requirement.
2. Dimensional & Technical Specifications: DIN S20 vs. GB 22 kg
The following table compares the key dimensional and technical specifications of DIN S20 and GB 22 kg light rails supplied by GNEE RAIL. The data is based on the respective rail profile standards and should be verified against the project specification before ordering.
| Technical Parameter | DIN S20 Light Rail (DIN 5901) | GB 22kg Rail (GB/T 11264) | Dimensional Variance (GB 22kg vs. S20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculated Mass (kg/m) | 19.80 kg/m | 22.30 kg/m | +2.50 kg/m (+12.6%) |
| Total Rail Height (H) | 100.00 mm | 93.66 mm | -6.34 mm |
| Base Width / Foot (B) | 82.00 mm | 93.66 mm | +11.66 mm |
| Head Width (W) | 44.00 mm | 50.80 mm | +6.80 mm |
| Web Thickness (S) | 7.00 mm | 10.72 mm | +3.72 mm (+53.1%) |
| Head Depth / Thickness | 26.50 mm | 27.00 mm | +0.50 mm |
| Base Center Thickness | 13.00 mm | 13.50 mm | +0.50 mm |
| Moment of Inertia (Ix) | ~295.4 cm⁴ | ~334.6 cm⁴ | +39.2 cm⁴ |
| Section Modulus (Wx - Head/Base) | ~59.1 cm³ | ~71.4 cm³ | +12.3 cm³ |
| Standard Available Lengths | 6.0 m, 8.0 m, 10.0 m, 12.0 m | 6.0 m, 8.0 m, 10.0 m, 12.0 m | Custom lengths on request |
Cross-Section Geometry Breakdown
The main geometric differences between DIN S20 and GB 22 kg are the rail height, base width, web thickness, and head width. These differences affect stiffness, load distribution, fastening requirements, and wheel-to-rail contact.
- Height-to-Base Ratio: DIN S20 has a 100 mm rail height and 82 mm base width, giving a height-to-base ratio of approximately 1.22:1. GB 22 kg has a 93.66 mm height and 93.66 mm base width, giving a ratio of 1.00:1. The S20 profile is taller and narrower, while GB 22 kg has a wider base.
- Web Thickness: GB 22 kg has a 10.72 mm web, compared with 7.00 mm for DIN S20, making its web approximately 53% thicker. This difference provides greater cross-sectional material in the web and affects resistance to local deformation and shear forces.
- Rail Head Width: GB 22 kg has a 50.80 mm head width, compared with 44.00 mm for DIN S20. The wider head provides a larger nominal running surface, but actual wheel-to-rail contact depends on the wheel profile and operating conditions.
- Base Width: GB 22 kg has a 93.66 mm base, compared with 82.00 mm for DIN S20. This dimensional difference is important when checking rail seats, clips, tie plates, and other fastening components for compatibility.
3. Key Engineering & Performance Differences
- Load-Bearing Capacity & Axle Load
Rail load capacity depends on multiple design factors, including rail section properties, support spacing, axle load, wheel loads, track geometry, and steel grade. Therefore, rail weight or section modulus alone should not be used to assign a fixed allowable axle load.
GB 22 kg has a nominal mass of 22.30 kg/m, compared with 19.80 kg/m for DIN S20. Its larger cross-sectional area and thicker web provide different bending and load-distribution characteristics. Actual allowable axle load must be determined from the complete track design and operating conditions.
- Lateral Stability & Wheel Contact
GB 22 kg has a 93.66 mm base width, compared with 82 mm for DIN S20, providing a wider rail seat and different lateral stability characteristics. Its 50.80 mm head width is also wider than the 44 mm S20 head.
However, wheel-to-rail contact is determined by the actual wheel profile, tread width, flange geometry, wheel load, and alignment. Head width alone should not be used to specify a compatible wheel or calculate contact stress.
- Structural Rigidity & Support Conditions
DIN S20 has a 100 mm rail height, while GB 22 kg has a 93.66 mm height and a thicker 10.72 mm web. Their structural response therefore differs depending on the support arrangement.
For tracks installed on continuous steel beams, soleplates, timber sleepers, or intermittent supports, rail selection should consider support spacing, rail-seat conditions, bending stress, and allowable deflection. The appropriate profile should be confirmed through the project-specific track design rather than by rail weight alone.
4. Substitution Feasibility: Can GB 22 kg Rail Replace DIN S20?
GB 22 kg cannot be considered a direct replacement for DIN S20. Although both are light rail profiles, their dimensions, fastening interfaces, and wheel compatibility differ.
- Base Width: S20 is 82 mm wide, while GB 22 kg is 93.66 mm. Existing S20 clips, rail seats, or clamps may not fit the wider GB profile.
- Rail Height: S20 is 100 mm high, compared with 93.66 mm for GB 22 kg. Substitution reduces the top-of-rail elevation by 6.34 mm, which may require adjustment of the rail seat or shims.
- Wheel Compatibility: S20 has a 44 mm head, while GB 22 kg has a 50.80 mm head. Wheel tread and flange clearance should be verified before replacement.
- Joint Components: S20 fishplates and joint bars should not be assumed compatible with GB 22 kg. Profile and bolt-hole geometry must be checked separately.
- Recommendation: Before substitution, verify the rail seat, fastening system, wheel profile, joint components, and required load capacity.
5. Typical Industrial Applications for S20 and 22 kg Rails
DIN S20 and GB 22 kg are used for light-duty industrial and narrow-gauge track applications where the required rail section, axle load, and fastening system match the project design.
| Application | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Mining & Underground Transport | Mine haulage, battery locomotives, ore cars |
| Workshop Cranes & Monorails | Light-duty cranes, hoists, workshop tracks |
| Material Handling | Transfer carts, kiln cars, industrial trolleys |
| Agricultural & Forestry | Greenhouse carts, temporary forestry tracks |
6. Fastening Systems & Accessories Matching Guide
GNEE RAIL supplies rail fastening components matched to DIN S20 and GB 22 kg profiles, with compatibility based on the actual rail dimensions and track structure.
Fishplates / Joint Bars & Fishbolts
- DIN S20: Profile-specific joint bars with matching track bolts and nuts.
- GB 22 kg: Joint bars manufactured for the GB 22 kg profile with compatible fishbolts and nuts.
Rail Clips & Clamping Systems
- Bolted Rail Clamps: Suitable for mounting light rails on steel beams, sleepers, or concrete foundations.
- Adjustable Rail Clips: Allow lateral adjustment where required by the track design.
Rubber Pads & Baseplates
- Rail Pads: Synthetic rubber or elastomeric pads matched to the rail base width to reduce vibration and distribute wheel loads.
- Steel Soleplates / Baseplates: Drilled or customized to suit the rail profile, fastening layout, and supporting structure.
Get Matched Fastening Components
Important: Fishplates, clips, pads, and baseplates must be selected according to the specific rail profile and fastening dimensions.
7. How to Choose the Right Rail
When choosing between DIN S20 and GB 22 kg, consider availability, lead time, freight weight, and quality documentation.
- GB 22 kg is commonly produced in China and may offer shorter lead times for standard lengths and grades, while DIN S20 may require scheduled production for larger project quantities.
- At 22.30 kg/m, GB 22 kg is approximately 12.6% heavier than DIN S20 at 19.80 kg/m, which means DIN S20 can provide more linear meters within the same container payload.
Request Rail Selection Support
GNEE RAIL can supply both profiles with project-specific dimensional inspection, straightness inspection, material documentation, and EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates (MTC). For bulk orders, lead time, available stock, required length, material grade, inspection requirements, and delivery terms should be confirmed before quotation.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the exact weight per meter of DIN S20 and GB 22 kg rail?
DIN S20 has a theoretical linear mass of 19.80 kg/m, while GB 22 kg has a theoretical linear mass of 22.30 kg/m.
Q2: Are DIN S20 and GB 22 kg rail clips interchangeable?
Not normally. DIN S20 has an 82 mm base width, compared with 93.66 mm for GB 22 kg. Fixed clips designed for one profile may not fit the other. Adjustable fastening systems may accommodate both profiles if their adjustment range is sufficient.
Q3: Can DIN S20 and GB 22 kg rail be cut and drilled according to project drawings?
Yes. GNEE RAIL can provide cut-to-length and drilled rail processing according to project drawings, subject to the required dimensions, hole pattern, tolerances, and processing specifications.
