A rail fish plate is an essential jointing element in non-welded rail systems, designed to maintain alignment, structural cooperation, and reliable load transfer between adjoining rail lengths. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB light and heavy rails, UIC standards, JIS rails, AS1085 profiles, BS11 sections, AREMA/ASCE specifications, and crane rail systems including DIN536 A-series and QU types, offering one-stop joint solutions and technical support.
What is the function of a rail joint?
A rail joint, often utilizing fishplates and bolts, connects two rail ends to ensure structural continuity, allowing for smooth, safe, and consistent train passage. Its primary functions include maintaining proper alignment, accommodating rail expansion and contraction due to temperature variations, and distributing vertical wheel loads.
- Structural Continuity: Connects rail segments to form a continuous track, ensuring stability for passing trains.
- Expansion/Contraction: Allows rails to expand or contract safely as temperatures change, preventing track buckling.
- Load Distribution: Transfers heavy loads from the wheels to the sleepers and ballast, reducing impact stresses on the rail ends.
- Alignment Maintenance: Maintains precise horizontal and vertical alignment between rail ends.
- Electrical Conductivity: In signaled areas, insulated joints allow for the, or prevent, electrical conductivity needed for track circuit systems.
Types include standard, insulated, compromise, and expansion joints, each designed to handle specific structural needs.
| Joint Type | Key Specification / Description |
| Standard Rail Joint (Fish Plate) | - Profile: Matches the rail section (e.g., UIC 60, 136RE). |
| - Length: Typically 600mm or 800mm per side. | |
| - Holes: 4 or 6 bolt holes per bar. | |
| Insulated Rail Joint (IRJ) | - Material: Steel core with composite insulating end-posts/plates, or full epoxy composite. |
| - Electrical Resistance: >10⁸ Ω. | |
| Compromise Rail Joint | - Design: Connects two different rail profiles (e.g., UIC 54 to UIC 60). |
| - Profile: Each side is machined to match its respective rail section. | |
| Joggled Rail Joint | - Feature: Has a depressed (joggled) section to allow continuous rail head surface for smoother wheel passage. |
| Bridge Rail Joint | - Design: Often reinforced (thicker web/longer length) for high-stress locations like bridge approaches. |
| Glued Insulated Joint | - Construction: Steel bars bonded to composite insulation using high-strength adhesive for improved durability. |
| Welded Rail Joint (for CWR) | - Type: Flash-butt or thermite weld. |
| - Specification: Weld must meet mechanical properties equal to or greater than the parent rail. | |
| Expansion Joint (for BRE) | - Feature: Allows controlled thermal expansion in long rails on bridges or in extreme temperature zones. |
Specification drawings of 60E1 UIC60 steel rail fishplate
A UIC60 steel rail fish plate (or rail joint bar) is a high-strength steel fastener, designed to International Union of Railways (UIC) standards, used to securely connect two 60kg/m (60E1/UIC60) rail sections end-to-end. It ensures structural integrity, maintains gauge, and distributes wheel loads across joints, featuring 4 or 6 bolt holes and manufactured from high-grade carbon or cast steel.
The drawing as below:
60E1 steel rail fishplate 6 holes
60E1 Steel Rail 6-Hole Fishplate Specifications Summary
| Feature Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | A connecting joint (fishplate) used specifically for joining and connecting sections of 60E1 profile steel rails. |
| Key Design Feature | Equipped with 6 bolt holes, which are used to fasten and secure the fishplate to the rails using bolts or other fasteners. |
| Material & Build | Typically manufactured from high-quality steel, designed to provide a strong, durable, and secure connection between rail ends. |
| Role in Track System | A critical component for maintaining the stability, alignment, and structural integrity of the railway track at the joints. |
| Important Consideration | Design and specifications may vary by region or railway network. It is crucial to adhere to the specific standards and guidelines provided by the relevant local authorities or railway operators for selection and installation. |
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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