Is TR68 the same as 136RE rail?
Yes, TR68 and 136RE rail are physically identical, representing the same steel rail profile under different naming conventions. The designation AREMA 136RE rail is the standard nomenclature used in North America, where the "136" refers to its weight of approximately 136 lbs per yard. In contrast, TR68 is the metric-based designation frequently used in international tenders and South American markets, where "68" represents its weight of approximately 68 kg per meter (67.56 kg/m to be exact).
- Standardization: Both profiles are manufactured according to the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) specifications.
- Dimensions: They share the exact same 136re rail dimensions, including a height of 7.3125 inches and a base width of 6 inches.
| Profile | Standard | Dimensions mm | Section S | Mass m | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | B | C | D | E | cm² | kg/m | ||
| American standard | ||||||||
| 136RE (TR68) | AREMA | 185,70 | 152,40 | 74,60 | 49,20 | 17,50 | 85,90 | 67,50 |
GNEE RAIL utilizes precision rolling equipment to produce 136 RE steel rail that strictly adheres to both AREMA and international TR68 requirements, ensuring seamless interchangeability in global projects. Every section undergoes automated straightening and full-length ultrasonic flaw detection to guarantee structural integrity. By maintaining large-scale production cycles and a robust inventory of 136RE heavy rail, orders are fulfilled with consistent quality and provided with Mill Test Certificates (MTC) to verify that the chemical and mechanical properties meet the highest industry standards.
Performance Advantages of Arema 136RE Rail
1. Superior Structural Rigidity and Stiffness
The "136" refers to its weight of 136.2 lbs per yard. Compared to lighter sections like the 115RE, the 136RE rail profile offers a much higher Moment of Inertia.
- The Advantage: This increased stiffness reduces vertical deflection under heavy axle loads. For the purchaser, this means the rail distributes weight more effectively across the railway sleepers, protecting the ballast and subgrade from premature failure.
2. Optimized Stress Distribution (Head and Web Design)
The 136RE rail section was specifically engineered to minimize internal stresses that lead to fatigue.
- The Advantage: The transition from the rail head to the web (the "fillet" area) is designed to reduce stress concentration. This significantly lowers the risk of head-web separations and longitudinal cracking, which are critical safety concerns in high-load tracks.
3. Enhanced Wear Volume for Longer Service Life
One of the primary reasons for choosing 136RE heavy rail is the massive amount of "sacrificial" steel in the head.
- Head Depth: It provides a deeper usable wear limit before the rail reaches its condemnation point.
- The Advantage: In heavy-haul freight environments, this translates to millions of additional Gross Tons (MGT) of traffic before replacement is required, offering a much lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to 115 lb or 132 lb sections.
4. Lateral Stability and Resistance to Buckling
The 136RE rail dimensions feature a wide base (6 inches / 152.4 mm).
- The Advantage: This wide footprint provides exceptional lateral stability. It makes the rail highly resistant to "rolling" under lateral forces (especially in curves) and increases the track's resistance to thermal buckling (sun kinks) in Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) setups.
FAQ
- Can I use 136RE joint bars on a TR68 rail?
Yes, since the 136re rail dimensions are identical, all joint bars, fishplates, and fasteners designed for 136RE rail will fit TR68 perfectly.
- Does GNEE RAIL provide Mill Test Certificates for TR68?
Yes, every batch of 136 RE steel rail-whether ordered as TR68 or 136RE-is provided with a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) verifying that it meets the chemical and mechanical requirements of the AREMA standard.
- What is the exact 136re rail height in millimeters?
The exact 136re rail height is 185.74 mm, which corresponds to the standard 7.3125 inches used in North American engineering.
- Is 136RE rail weight the same as 70kg rail?
No, 136RE rail (TR68) weighs 67.56 kg/m. It is slightly lighter than a 70kg rail but is the specific standard for AREMA-based heavy-haul systems.
- Are there different grades of 136RE heavy rail?
Yes, both TR68 and 136RE rail can be supplied in Standard Strength or High-Strength Head-Hardened grades, depending on the wear requirements of the track.
- Why is 136RE rail often called 136 lb rail?
"136 lb rail" is simply a common industry shorthand for the 136RE rail weight of 136.2 lbs per yard.
GNEE RAIL supplies 136RE rail manufactured strictly to current AREMA specifications, ensuring that the profile and material properties are identical to TR68 requirements for international compatibility. Through controlled rolling technology and full-length ultrasonic inspection, consistency is guaranteed across every section. Comprehensive logistics support and Mill Test Certificates (MTC) are provided to ensure that every 136 RE steel rail order is delivered with verified technical data for project compliance.
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