A rail fish plate is a structural connector that compensates for the absence of welded continuity by transferring forces across rail ends through bolted steel interfaces. It reduces impact and deformation at joints. GNEE RAIL offers fish plates for GB rails, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A-series crane rails, QU crane rails, JIS rail types, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rails, supported by joint system design consultation.
| 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 |
What types of railroad joints are there?
Railroad joints, or fishplates, are essential components used to connect adjacent steel rails, with primary types including supported, suspended, bridge, insulated, and compromise joints. These joints ensure structural continuity, allow for thermal expansion, and are classified by position (supported/suspended), functionality (insulated/compromise), or connection method (bolted/welded).
| 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 vs. Non-Insulated Rail Joint Bars
Insulated rail joint bars are specialized, high-strength composite or insulated steel components used to electrically isolate track circuits for signaling, whereas non-insulated (standard) steel bars provide mechanical connection only. Insulated bars are critical for safety and train detection, while standard bars are ideal for low-speed/yard tracks.
Insulated Rail Joint Bars (IRJs)
- Function: Separates track sections to prevent electrical current flow between rails, allowing for automated signal systems (e.g., track circuits).
- Material/Composition: Made of insulated composite materials, or steel bars bonded with polyurethanes, epoxy, and fiber insulation.
- Types: Bonded Insulated Joints (factory-glued for superior strength/performance) and Polyurethane Insulated Joints.
- Advantages: Corrosion-resistant, UV-resistant, and non-magnetic, offering high dielectric isolation.
- Usage: High-speed mainlines, signaling, and electrified railways.
Non-Insulated (Standard) Rail Joint Bars
- Function: Connects two rail ends mechanically to allow for expansion/contraction, without restricting electrical conductivity.
- Material/Composition: Usually made of high-strength steel.
- Advantages: Economical, durable, and easily installed for heavy-duty, low-speed service.
- Usage: Secondary tracks, industrial sidings, and yard tracks.
Key Differences Summary
| Feature | Insulated Joint Bars | Non-Insulated Joint Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | Non-conductive (Insulated) | Electrically Conductive |
| Primary Goal | Signal Circuit Control | Mechanical Connection |
| Material | Composite/Polyurethane/Fiber | Steel |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Higher, requires monitoring | Lower |
What is the main function of a rail joint bar?
The main function of a rail joint bar (or fish plate) is to securely connect the ends of two rails, ensuring structural continuity, proper alignment, and stability of the track while allowing for expansion and contraction. It distributes wheel loads across the joint, minimizing impact damage and enhancing safety.
Key Functions of Rail Joint Bars:
- Structural Connection: Bolts two rail ends together to form a continuous track, preventing separation.
- Alignment and Stability: Maintains vertical and horizontal alignment, ensuring a smooth surface for train wheels and reducing damage to rail ends.
- Load Distribution: Distributes the heavy load of trains across the joint, decreasing stress on the track.
- Thermal Expansion: Allows for necessary gaps between rails to accommodate contraction and expansion due to temperature changes.
- Safety and Maintenance: Crucial for preventing derailments and maintaining, or insulating (in signaling districts), the rail infrastructure.
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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