A rail fish plate is a structural joint element that secures rail ends against separation and misalignment caused by traffic loads and temperature variation, ensuring stable operation of jointed track. GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates for GB rails, UIC rails, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rail types, AS1085 profiles, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE rails, and provides joint system configuration support.
| Standard | Material (Chinese Grade) | Applicable Rail Sizes (examples) |
| UIC 864-4/8 | 40# | U79 (≈UIC54), U85 (≈UIC60) |
| DIN 5902-1995 | Q235 / Q295 | S30, S33, S41, S49, FL10-54 |
| Chinese TB/T 2345-2008 | 55# | 43, 52, 60, 75 kg/m |
| British BS 47-1 | 40# | BS75R, BS80A, BS90A, BS100A, BS113A |
| AREMA 2007 | 50# | 115RE, 119RE, 132RE, 136RE, 141RE |
| South American | 50# or Custom | TJ57, TJ ASCE90, TJ UIC60, 75LBS-80LBS |
| African | 50# | 85LB, 85LB-80LB |
Types of Rail Joint Bar
| 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. |
To which rail profiles can a compromise rail joint be combined?
Compromise rail joints connect rail sections with different profiles, heights, or weights-such as transitioning from 136-lb to 115-lb rail or UIC 60 to UIC 54-by using specially forged or machined fishplates. They ensure alignment of the rail surface and gauge, connecting heavy/light rails, worn/new rails, or different standards.
Commonly combined profile combinations include:
- Mainline to Secondary: Joining heavy main track (e.g., 136RE, 132RE) to lighter siding rails (e.g., 115RE, 100RE).
- Metric to Imperial: Transitions between international standards, such as UIC 60 to 136RE or UIC 54 to 115RE.
- Switch to Stock Rail: Connecting rail sections within switches, turnouts, or crossing components.
- Worn to New: Matching new rails with older, worn-down rails of the same nominal size.
| No. | Type | Material | Unit weight (kg/pc) | Remark |
| 1 | 136RE-115RE | 55# | 27.5 | 4pcs per set |
| 2 | 136RE-132RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 3 | 141RE-136RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 4 | 141RE-132RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 5 | 100-8 of 1/8″ vertical off | 55# | 15.6 | 2pcs per set |
| 6 | 100-8 of 3/8″ vertical off | 55# | 15.6 | 2pcs per set |
| 7 | UIC60-P50 | 55# | 23 | 2pcs per set |
| 8 | BS80A-115RE | 55# | 20 | 2pcs per set |
| 9 | UIC60 thermit welded joint | 55# | 18 | 2pcs per set |
| Material and bar length can be customized upon buyer request. | ||||
These joints are typically tailored to specific requirements, often categorized as directional (for different head widths) or non-directional (for different head heights only).
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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