A rail fish plate is a mechanical jointing element that clamps adjacent rail webs together so bending moments and shear forces can pass across a non-welded rail connection. This allows jointed rails to function cooperatively. GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates matched to GB rail series, UIC standards, JIS profiles, AS1085 sections, BS11 rails, AREMA/ASCE sizes, and crane rail standards DIN536 and QU, providing full joint hardware supply.
| Fishplate for UIC Standard Steel Rail | |||
| Steel Rail Type | Steel Rail Weight (KG/M) | Fishplate Standard | Fishplate Material |
| UIC54 | 54.43 | UIC | 45#,55# |
| UIC60 | 60.34 | ||
| Fishplate for BS Standard Steel Rail | |||
| BS50'O' | 24.833 | BS 47-1 | 55#,45# European Grade 700 |
| BS60A | 30.618 | ||
| BS75R | 37.041 | ||
| BS80A | 39.761 | ||
| BS90A | 45.099 | ||
| BS100A | 50.182 | ||
| BS113A | 56.398 | ||
| Joint Bar for AREMA 2007 Standard Steel Rail | |||
| 100RE(TR50) | 50.35 | AREMA 2007 | 45#,55#,AREMA Grade Steel |
| 115RE | 56.9 | ||
| 115-119RE | |||
| 132RE | 65.31 | ||
| 133RE | 66.1 | ||
| 136RE | 67.41 | ||
| 132-136RE | |||
| Fishplate For Chinese Standard Steel Rail | |||
| GB15KG | 15.2 | YB226-63 | Q235,45# |
| GB18KG | 18.06 | YB225-63 | |
| GB22KG | 22.3 | YB14-63 | |
| GB24KG | 24.46 | ||
| GB30KG | 30.1 | YB351-63 | |
| GB38KG | 38.733 | TB/T 2345-2008 | 45#,55# |
| GB43KG | 44.653 | ||
| GB50KG | 51.514 | ||
Main Types of Rail Joint Bar
Rail joint bars, or fishplates, connect rail ends to maintain a continuous, stable track. The main types include common joint bars (for identical rails), compromise joint bars (for different rail sizes), insulated joint bars (for signaling circuits), joggled/bulged joints (for repairs), and welded joints. They are essential for safety, supporting vertical/lateral loads, and allowing thermal expansion.
Key Types of Rail Joint Bars
- Common Rail Joint Bar: The most standard type, used for connecting two rails of the same weight and profile. Usually designed with 4 or 6 bolt holes.
- Compromise Rail Joint Bar: Specifically designed to connect two different rail sections (e.g., matching a 115lb rail to a 132lb rail). They are often color-coded, such as painted blue, to aid identification.
- Insulated Rail Joint Bar: Essential for automatic block signaling systems; these are manufactured from high-strength composite materials to break electrical continuity. Types include continuous, non-continuous, and bonded.
- Joggled/Bulged Joint Bar: Features a bulge or "joggle" to accommodate rail end imperfections or to allow for temporary, rapid repairs of broken welds.
- Expansion Joint Bar: Used in areas with high temperature variations to prevent buckling, allowing for significant expansion/contraction.
| 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. |
What are the main factors to consider when selecting track joint?
Selecting the ideal track joint requires balancing structural integrity, environmental conditions, and cost. Key factors include, but are not limited to, maximizing load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance, accommodating thermal expansion/contraction, ensuring compatibility with existing rail sections, and selecting durable, low-maintenance materials that align with required safety standards.
Key Factors for Selecting Track Joints:
- Structural Strength & Load Requirements: The joint must match the strength and stiffness of the rail, bearing maximum vertical and lateral forces, especially under heavy axial loads.
- Thermal Movement: Joints must allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, particularly in areas with high temperature spans.
- Operational Conditions & Speed: The joint should accommodate maximum permissible speeds and reduce the impact of forces from acceleration and deceleration.
- Maintenance & Durability: Selection should focus on low-maintenance options that are durable, wear-resistant, and easy to replace without disconnecting the entire track.
- Compatibility & Geometry: The joint must perfectly match the rail section and maintain proper gauge and alignment to ensure a smooth, continuous surface.
- Environmental Factors: Consider operating conditions like corrosion, humidity, and chemical exposure that might require specialized materials.
- Cost Efficiency: The joint should be economical regarding both initial purchase and long-term maintenance.
- Safety & Standards: The component must comply with local and international standards such as AREA, UIC, or IRS.
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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