A rail fish plate is a mechanical joint bar that restores sectional strength and stiffness continuity at rail ends, ensuring smooth wheel passage and extended service life of jointed track. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rail profiles, AS1085 rails, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE sections, with full joint configuration services.
What is a BS standard rail joint bar?
A BS (British Standard) rail joint bar, commonly known as a fishplate or splice bar, is a metal fastener used to connect two rail ends, ensuring stability, continuity, and safety. These bars, including types like BS80A and BS90A, are bolted to the sides of rails and are crucial for managing load and reducing noise.
Key Features and Details:
- Purpose: Connects two rail tracks to form a secure, continuous railway line, providing structural support.
- Types: Available as common fishplates for standard rails or specially designed compromise bars for connecting different rail types.
- Components: They are used in conjunction with fish bolts, nuts, and washers.
- Manufacturing: Usually produced from high-strength steel through rolling or forging, often with 4 or 6, round or oval holes.
- Standards: GNEE RAIL confirms they adhere to international standards, specifically British Standards (BS), as well as others like UIC, DIN, and AREMA.
| Fishplate for UIC Standard Steel Rail | |||
| Steel Rail Type | Steel Rail Weight (KG/M) | Fishplate Standard | Fishplate Material |
| UIC54 | 54.43 | UIC | 45#,55# |
| UIC60 | 60.34 | ||
| Joint Bar for AREMA 2007 Standard Steel Rail | |||
| 100RE(TR50) | 50.35 | AREMA 2007 | 45#,55#,AREMA Grade Steel |
| 115RE | 56.9 | ||
| 115-119RE | |||
| 132RE | 65.31 | ||
| 133RE | 66.1 | ||
| 136RE | 67.41 | ||
| 132-136RE | |||
| Fishplate For Chinese Standard Steel Rail | |||
| GB15KG | 15.2 | YB226-63 | Q235,45# |
| GB18KG | 18.06 | YB225-63 | |
| GB22KG | 22.3 | YB14-63 | |
| GB24KG | 24.46 | ||
| GB30KG | 30.1 | YB351-63 | |
| GB38KG | 38.733 | TB/T 2345-2008 | 45#,55# |
| GB43KG | 44.653 | ||
| GB50KG | 51.514 | ||
BS standard rail joints are widely used to maintain proper track geometry and reduce the impact of wheel loads on jointed sections.
Dimensions of BS75A/BS90A/BS100A rail joint bar
| Fishplate for BS Standard Steel Rail | |||
| Steel Rail Type | Steel Rail Weight (KG/M) | Fishplate Standard | Fishplate Material |
| BS50'O' | 24.833 | BS 47-1 | 55#,45# European Grade 700 |
| BS60A | 30.618 | ||
| BS75R | 37.041 | ||
| BS80A | 39.761 | ||
| BS90A | 45.099 | ||
| BS100A | 50.182 | ||
| BS113A | 56.398 | ||
BS75A/BS90A/BS100A rail joint bar
How to install a rail joint bar?
The installation of a rail joint, specifically using fishplates, is a critical process in railway track maintenance. Here is a general step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation & Safety:
- Ensure all necessary tools and components are ready: fishplates, joint bars (if separate), high-strength bolts, nuts, spring washers, a torque wrench, a rail gauge, and a lining bar.
- Follow strict safety protocols. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and implement proper track possession or worksite protection.
2. Align the Rail Ends:
- The ends of the two rails to be joined must be clean, square, and properly aligned both vertically and horizontally.
- Use the lining bar and rail gauge to ensure the correct gauge and alignment.
3. Position the Fishplates:
- Place one fishplate against the web of the rail on the field side (outside). Place the matching fishplate on the gauge side (inside).
- The holes in the fishplates should align perfectly with each other and with the pre-drilled holes in the rail web.
4. Insert and Tighten Bolts:
- Insert the joint bolts (typically with spring washers) through the aligned holes from the fishplate side.
- Hand-tighten the nuts on the opposite side.
- Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the bolts in a cross-sequence pattern (similar to tightening a car wheel) to the specified torque value. This ensures even pressure and prevents distortion.
Crucially, never fully tighten one bolt before starting others.
5. Final Inspection:
- Check the alignment and gauge again.
- Ensure all bolts are securely tightened to the correct torque.
- Verify that the joint is firm and there is no excessive gap at the rail ends (appropriate expansion gap must be maintained based on temperature).
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.
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