A rail fish plate is a joint component that restores load continuity where rails are joined without welding, ensuring that stresses are shared by both rails instead of concentrated at a single rail end. GNEE RAIL provides fish plates for GB rails, UIC standard rails, DIN536 and QU crane rail systems, JIS rails, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rail sections, and AREMA/ASCE standards, supported by technical documentation and project coordination services.

Why use a Glued Insulated Rail Joint?

Glued Insulated Rail Joints (GIJs) are used to provide high-strength mechanical bonding while ensuring robust, long-lasting electrical isolation between rail sections. They are critical in modern, heavy-haul, and continuously welded rail (CWR) tracks to separate track circuits for signaling, reducing maintenance, preventing rail creep, and improving ride quality.

Key Reasons for Using Glued Insulated Rail Joints:

• Superior Electrical Isolation: They are essential for signaling systems, preventing track circuit interference by creating a reliable, insulated, and sealed connection.

• High Mechanical Strength: Unlike conventional insulated joints, the glued, high-tensile bolt design makes them capable of withstanding the immense longitudinal forces (thermal expansion and contraction) associated with continuously welded rails.

• Low Maintenance and Long Life: Because the fishplates are glued to the rails, they resist breaking, bolt loosening, and damage, resulting in less maintenance, lower costs, and longer service life.

• Reduced Track Impact: They provide a smooth, continuous surface that reduces wheel impact, minimizing rail wear and noise.

• Environmental Protection: The epoxy glue seals the joint against moisture and contaminants, preventing corrosion.

They are widely used at switch and turnout sections, as

How to install Glued insulated rail joint?

Installing a glued insulated rail joint (GIJ) involves precisely cleaning, coating with adhesive, and bolting specialized, insulated fishplates between rail ends to ensure electrical isolation. Key steps include, properly aligning rails, applying insulation glue, tightening bolts to specific torques (often with insulating sleeves), and verifying the resistance (minimum 10-25 mega-ohms) before traffic.

Installation Process

• Preparation and Cutting: Cut the old rail, removing a sufficient length, and clean the rail ends thoroughly to remove rust, scale, and dust. The rail ends must be perfectly straight and clean for proper bonding.

• Insulation Application: Apply the specified adhesive (glue) to the bonding surfaces of the rail web and the insulated fishplates.

• Insert Components: Place the insulation end post between the rail ends and fit the fishplates.

• Bolt Tightening: Insert high-tensile bolts, which are equipped with insulating bushes and washers (dipped in glue), and tighten them to the required torque.

• Curing: Allow the glue to cure properly, adhering to manufacturer instructions, before removing support or allowing train traffic.

• Inspection and Testing: Test the finished joint for electrical resistance should be ≥ 10-25MΩ using a 100V DC megger.

Specifications of Various Standards of Railway Fish Plate

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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