What is the Difference Between GB 24kg Rail and DIN S24 Rail?
Although GB 24kg rail and DIN 5901 S24 rail share a nearly identical linear mass of ~24.40–24.46 kg/m, they are manufactured under distinct standards with incompatible cross-sectional geometries. DIN S24 has a rail height of 115 mm, whereas GB 24kg has a rail height of 107 mm (an 8 mm difference). They cannot be joined directly on the same run without stepped/joggled fishplates or baseplate shims.
What is DIN 5901 S24 Steel Rail (24.40 kg/m)?
The DIN 5901 S24 rail is a European standard light rail profile defined by the German standard DIN 5901. It has a nominal linear mass of 24.43 kg/m (commonly referred to in international procurement as 24.40 kg/m steel rail). This profile is standard across European underground mining haulage, tunneling tracks, light gantry/overhead hoist runways, and factory automation rail systems.
| Height: 115 mm | Base Width: 90 mm |
| Head Width: 53 mm | Web Thickness: 10 mm |
| Length: 6m-10m | Material: Q235/55Q |
| Weight: 24.4 kg/m | Standard: DIN 5901 |
What is GB 24kg Light Rail?
The GB 24kg rail is a Chinese national standard light rail profile governed by GB/T 11264 (and YB/T 5055 for crane/mining variations). With a nominal linear mass of 24.46 kg/m, it is the primary light track standard across domestic Chinese mining systems, agricultural transport lines, industrial transfer carts, and port material-handling tracks.
| Rail Size | 24kg | Rail Type | Light-duty Rail |
| Standard | GB/T 11264-2025 | Material | Q235B, 55Q |
| Rail Height | 107 mm | Head Width | 51 mm |
| Bottom Width | 92 mm | Web Thickness | 10.90 mm |
| Weight | 24.46 kg/m | Length | 6m, 10m or customized |
Get DIN S24 Rail & Matching Components → Request a Quote
GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAYL supplies DIN 5901 S24 rail for mining, tunneling, and industrial track applications, with matching S24 fishplates, track bolts, rail clips, soleplates, and rubber pads available according to project requirements. We can also provide custom cutting, drilling, beveling, and bending, together with dimensional inspection, MTC documentation, and export packaging. For projects comparing DIN S24 with GB 24kg rail, we can supply the corresponding profile data and fastening components to help ensure correct track compatibility.
Material Grades & Mechanical Properties
DIN 5901 S24 and GB 24kg rails can be supplied in different steel grades depending on load, wear, and operating conditions. Common options include R200/R260-class rail steels for DIN S24 and Q235B, 55Q, or 50Mn for GB 24kg rail. Higher-strength grades generally provide better wear resistance and fatigue performance for mining, tunneling, and high-cycle industrial applications.
| Rail | Common Grade | Tensile Strength | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIN S24 | R200-class | ≥680 MPa | Mining carts, light industrial tracks |
| DIN S24 | R260-class | ≥880 MPa | Higher-wear and high-cycle applications |
| GB 24kg | Q235B | 370–500 MPa | Light-duty and temporary tracks |
| GB 24kg | 55Q | ≥685 MPa | Mining and wear-resistant applications |
| GB 24kg | 50Mn | - | Applications requiring improved fatigue and wear performance |
Grade selection should be based on wheel load, axle load, operating frequency, wear conditions, and track design rather than rail weight alone.
Interchangeability, Applications & Selection of DIN S24 and GB 24kg Rail
DIN 5901 S24 and GB 24kg rail have similar unit weights, but they are not direct 1:1 replacements because their rail height, base width, web geometry, and fishplate dimensions are different.
S24 is approximately 115 mm high with a 90 mm base, while GB 24kg is approximately 107 mm high with a 92 mm base. When replacing or connecting the two profiles, the running-surface alignment, fishplates, rail clips, soleplates, and rail pads should be checked, and a suitable transition joint or customized fastening solution may be required.
DIN S24 is generally preferred for projects using European equipment or DIN-profile fastening systems, while GB 24kg is commonly used in Chinese-standard mining and industrial track systems. For new projects, the selection should be based on the rail profile, wheel compatibility, axle load, steel grade, fastening system, and project specifications, rather than unit weight alone.
Need S24 or GB 24kg Rail for Your Project? → Send Your Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the exact weight per meter of DIN S24 rail?
The theoretical mass of DIN 5901 S24 rail is approximately 24.43 kg/m, commonly specified as 24.40 kg/m in procurement documents.
Q2: Why can't S24 and GB 24kg rail be directly connected?
S24 is approximately 115 mm high, while GB 24kg is 107 mm high. Their different profiles and connection dimensions mean that direct joining can create rail-head misalignment and improper fishplate fit.
Q3: Are S24 fishplates compatible with GB 24kg rail?
No. The two profiles use different fishplate geometries and bolt-hole arrangements. A suitable transition fishplate or customized connection is required when connecting them.
Q4: Can GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAYL supply complete fastening kits?
Yes. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAYL can supply S24 and GB 24kg matching fishplates, track bolts, rail clips, soleplates, and elastic rail pads according to the rail profile and project requirements.
