What Is ASCE 60 Rail?
ASCE 60 rail, also known as 60 lb rail, is a medium-weight rail profile defined by the American Society of Civil Engineers and produced to ASTM A1. Its nominal weight is 60 pounds per yard, which equals 29.76 kg per meter. The cross section has a height of 107.95 mm, a base width of 107.95 mm, a head width of 60.32 mm, and a web thickness of 12.3 mm.
The profile sits between light rail and heavy rail, which makes it a practical choice for industrial and logistics track systems where load is moderate and operation is continuous.
Where ASCE 60 Rail Fits Best
ASCE 60 rail is widely applied in factory internal transport systems, warehouse logistics tracks, port handling systems, and workshop rail lines. In these environments the rail must support repeated movement without excessive wear while keeping installation and material cost under control. The balanced combination of the 29.76 kg per meter weight and the standardized dimensions allows reliable performance in these conditions.
The profile is also commonly used for crane runway tracks of light to medium duty, mining haulage lines, and secondary or depot tracks in light rail systems. It is a tee-rail with a stable base that works with standard fasteners, fishplates, and switches.
Standard Dimensions in Millimeters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rail height | 107.95 mm |
| Base width | 107.95 mm |
| Head width | 60.32 mm |
| Web thickness | 12.3 mm |
| Weight | 29.76 kg per meter |
| Equivalent | 60 pounds per yard |
Material Grades for ASCE 60
ASCE 60 rail is commonly manufactured from Q235B low-carbon steel, 55Q high-carbon steel, or U71Mn silicon-manganese alloy steel. Q235B offers good weldability and economy for light service, with a yield strength of 235 MPa. Grade 55Q provides a yield strength of about 685 MPa for higher strength. U71Mn delivers a tensile strength above 880 MPa and is chosen where superior wear resistance is needed.
The material grade should be matched to the actual working condition, including load, speed, and frequency of operation. Choosing the right grade reduces maintenance and extends the service life of the track.
Comparison with ASCE 80 Rail
ASCE 60 and ASCE 80 differ mainly in weight, size, and load capacity. ASCE 60 is a 60 pound per yard rail at 29.8 kg per meter, suited to light-duty industrial and mining applications. ASCE 80 is a heavier 80 pound per yard rail at 39.7 kg per meter, designed for higher-load crane services and heavier industrial transport. Because of its larger cross section, ASCE 80 offers higher strength and supports higher axle loads. Both follow the American Society of Civil Engineers standards and use similar steel families, but the choice depends on the specific load requirements of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASCE 60 rail a light rail or a heavy rail? It is classified as a light rail, but its weight and strength place it at the top of the light rail range, which makes it suitable for medium-duty industrial track systems.
What are the exact 60 lb rail dimensions in millimeters? The standard ASCE 60 dimensions are 107.95 mm height, 107.95 mm base width, 60.32 mm head width and 12.3 mm web thickness.
Can ASCE 60 rail be used for crane runways? Yes. It is suitable for light to medium-duty crane runways, such as those used by small and medium bridge cranes and gantry cranes in factories and warehouses.
Which steel grade should be chosen for ASCE 60 rail? Use Q235B for light service, 55Q where higher strength with a yield strength of about 685 MPa is needed, and U71Mn where maximum wear resistance and a tensile strength above 880 MPa are required.
What is the weight of 60 lb rail per meter? The nominal weight is 29.76 kg per meter, which is the standard metric value used for shipping and structural calculations.
Does ASCE 60 rail work with standard fasteners? Yes. The standardized ASCE 60 profile is compatible with standard rail clips, fishplates and switches, which simplifies installation and replacement.
