The difference between heavy rail and light rail

01 Classification and function of rails

Rail, also known as track steel, is a key component of railway tracks and is divided into heavy rail and light rail. Its specifications are measured by nominal weight per meter. The main function of the rail is to guide the wheels of locomotives and vehicles forward, while bearing the huge pressure brought by the wheels and transferring it to the sleepers. In addition, it needs to provide a continuous, smooth and least resistant rolling surface for the wheels. In electrified railways or automatic block areas, rails can also play a role as part of the track circuit.

02 Types and applications of heavy rails

Heavy rails, with a nominal weight of more than 30 kilograms per meter, are mainly divided into general rails and crane rails. General rails are commonly used for laying railway trunk lines, dedicated lines, curves and tunnels. The length of standard rails is usually 12.50 meters or 25.00 meters, while the length of curved rails for laying curved tracks will be different, such as 12.46 meters, 12.42 meters, 24.96 meters, 24.92 meters, etc. Its specifications are also varied, including 38, 43, 45, 50, 60 (kg/m), etc. Since heavy rails have a larger cross-section, they can withstand greater forces. In the early mainline railways, 38 kg rails were used, but nowadays 50 kg and 60 kg heavy rails are more commonly used.

03 Types and applications of light rail

Light rail, with a nominal weight of less than or equal to 30 kg per meter, is usually used for urban rail transit or shorter distance rail transportation. It is similar to heavy rail but is lighter in design and can meet the track strength requirements of specific lines. Light rail systems are widely used in modern urban transportation networks due to their flexibility and economy.