A rail fish plate is a load-transfer device used in jointed track to spread wheel loads from one rail to the next, preventing stress concentration at rail gaps. GNEE RAIL produces fish plates for UIC50/54/60, GB light and heavy rails, JIS standards, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rails, AREMA/ASCE rail sections, and crane rails defined by DIN536 A55–A120 and QU70–QU120, offering corrosion-resistant surface treatments.
Types of Rail Joint
| Classification Category | Type of Rail Joint | Core Definition / Key Characteristics |
| By Position on Track | Square Joint | Joints on parallel rails are aligned opposite each other. Common on straight tracks; simple but causes more impact. |
| Staggered Joint | Joints on one rail are opposite the mid-point of the adjacent rail. Primarily used on curves to reduce forces and improve ride quality. | |
| By Position of Sleepers | Supported Joint | Rail ends rest directly on a single "joint sleeper". Minimizes deflection but creates a rigid, high-maintenance point. |
| Suspended Joint | Rail ends are located between two sleepers. The most common type; offers flexibility but requires more frequent maintenance. | |
| Bridge Joint | Similar to suspended, but uses a metal bridge plate to connect rails on either side of the joint. Not widely used. | |
| By Performance & Application | Ordinary (Bolted) Joint | Standard connection using fishplates and bolts. Cost-effective, allows for thermal expansion. |
| Compromise Joint | Connects two rails of different sizes/profiles. Uses specially shaped fishplates to ensure a smooth transition. | |
| Conductive Joint | Ensures electrical continuity between rail sections for traction current and signaling, using conductive materials. | |
| Insulated Joint (IRJ) | Electrically isolates rail sections for signaling systems. Uses insulating materials between rails and plates. | |
| Welded Joint | Rail ends are fused together (e.g., thermite welding). Creates Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) for a smoother, stronger track. | |
| Frozen Joint | A defective condition where tight or corroded fishplates prevent thermal expansion/contraction, leading to high stress. | |
| Expansion Joint (REJ) | Allows controlled longitudinal rail movement (e.g., on bridges) to prevent buckling or breakage due to temperature changes. |
Insulated Rail Joint in Railway Track System
Insulated Rail Joints (IRJs) are critical components in railway signaling, designed to break the electrical circuit between rail sections for safe train detection. They use insulating materials (e.g., Nylon 66, epoxy, glass fiber) to prevent electrical flow between adjacent rails, ensuring proper operation of track circuits. Modern, durable glued or bonded IRJs are used in high-speed and heavy-duty lines to reduce maintenance and prevent wear.
Key Functions and Characteristics
- Signaling and Safety: They segment track circuits, allowing signaling systems to accurately identify the presence and location of trains.
- Structural Integrity: Designed to withstand heavy axle loads and longitudinal forces in continuously welded rails (CWR).
- Improved Design: Modern designs, such as 30° inclined joints, improve wheel transition, reducing impact, noise, and damage to the rail.
- Materials: Constructed with specialized insulating end posts and coated, high-strength fishplates (joint bars) to prevent conductivity.
Which rail standards can insulated rail joints be used with?
Insulated rail joints (IRJs) are used with various international rail standards to ensure electrical isolation for signaling in both continuous welded rail (CWR) and jointed tracks. Major standards include EN16843 (Europe), AREMA (North America), BS (British), UIC (International Union of Railways), DIN (Germany), and GB (China).
Key Rail Standards and Compatibility
- EN 16843 (European Standard): Sets strict mechanical and electrical performance requirements for insulated joints in both stressed and unstressed tracks.
- AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association): Covers North American requirements for heavy haul, typically 115 lb, 133 lb, and 141 lb rails.
- UIC / BS / DIN / GB: Insulated joints are compatible with standard rail profiles like 60 E1/E2, 54 E1/E4, and 49 E1/E5, as well as various heavy rail sections (38kg-75kg).
- AS 1085.12 (Australian Standard): Covers insulating joint assemblies for Australian railway infrastructure.
- RDSO (India): Specifies insulated rail joints for 52kg, 90R, and 75R rails.
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.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 |
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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