What is the name of the joint in the railway track?
The metal connecting component that joins two railway tracks together is called a fishplate, also known as a joint bar, splice bar, or simply a rail joint. These are bolted to the sides of the rail ends to maintain continuity, with common types including bolted, insulated, and compromise joints.
| 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. |
GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates compatible with GB light and heavy rails, UIC standard rails, DIN536 and QU crane rail systems, JIS rails, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rails, and AREMA/ASCE specifications, providing profile matching and bolt selection services.
What is the function of a railway joint?
A railway joint (or fishplate) connects two rail ends to ensure structural continuity, allowing for safe train passage, proper alignment, and necessary expansion or contraction due to temperature variations. They provide structural support to prevent buckling, distribute wheel loads, and enable easy rail replacement or repair.
Key Functions of Railway Joints:
- Connecting Rails: Joins two sections of rail together using fish bolts and nuts to create a continuous track.
- Allowing Expansion/Contraction: Accommodates thermal expansion and contraction, preventing the rails from buckling or breaking during extreme temperature changes.
- Maintaining Alignment: Ensures precise horizontal and vertical alignment of the rail ends, keeping them at the same level for smooth train passage.
- Load Distribution: Distributes the heavy, dynamic loads of train wheels across the rail ends.
- Structural Support: Acts as a vital component in track infrastructure to maintain the gauge distance.
How to do maintenance for rail joints ?
Rail joint maintenance involves regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and bolt tightening to ensure structural integrity. Key actions include using a torque wrench to tighten bolts to standard, replacing damaged fish plates, cleaning ballast to prevent mud pumping, and adjusting rail gaps to manage thermal expansion.
- Regular Inspection: Conduct comprehensive inspections in spring and autumn to check for broken rails, sleepers, or connection parts. Monitor for abnormal sound or poor train stability.
- Bolt Tightening: Use a torque wrench to tighten fish bolts according to standards to maintain secure connections.
- Lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricants to the joint and fish plates to reduce friction, prevent corrosion, and extend lifespan.
- Ballast Management: Clean and maintain the ballast bed to prevent mud pumping and ensure good drainage.
- Geometry Adjustment: Realign rails to correct vertical or horizontal misalignment, ensuring smooth train passage.
- Gap Management: Maintain the rail gap (ideally within 8mm) to accommodate expansion and contraction.
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.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 |
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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