A rail fish plate is a steel joint bar used to connect two rail ends by clamping their webs together, allowing the jointed section to function as a continuous load-bearing element within the track structure. It compensates for the structural interruption created by rail gaps. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/UIC54/UIC60, DIN536 A55–A120 crane rails, QU70/80/100/120 crane rails, JIS rail sections, AS1085 rails, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE rail profiles, with joint configuration support.
BS80A rail joint bars (or fish plates) are specialized high-strength steel fasteners designed to securely connect the ends of two BS80A (39E1) flat-bottom rails. Compliant with BS47-1 standards, they ensure structural stability, maintain gauge, and absorb vertical/lateral forces, often used in mining and crane rails.
What is the weight of each pair of BS80A Rail Joint Bars?
The weight of each pair of BS80A rail joint bars (fishplates) typically ranges from 13.15 kg to over 19 kg, depending on the hole configuration. A standard 4-hole BS80A fishplate pair generally weighs around 13.15 kg, while 6-hole variants can weigh approximately 19.72 kg.
- 4-Hole BS80A Pair: Approximately 13.15 kg.
- 6-Hole BS80A Pair: Approximately 19.72 kg.
- Dimensions: These are designed for BS80A rails, typically with a 6.35 mm gap between rail ends.
| Rail Joint Type | BS80A Rail Fish Plate |
| Compatible Rail | BS80A (80 lb/yd) |
| Material | 55# Carbon Steel / Q235 |
| Hardness | HB 260–300 |
| Tensile Strength | ≥700 MPa |
| Surface Treatment | Black / Galvanized / Painted |
| Holes | 4 or 6 holes |
| Bolt Size | M24 or as required |
These specs are commonly used to ensure secure connections for 39E1 (BS80A) rail profiles.
Key Features of BS80A Fish Plates
BS80A fish plates (or rail joint bars) are specialized steel connectors designed to securely join BS80A rails, typically used in industrial, mining, and railway, rail, and transport systems. They ensure structural integrity, maintain proper rail gauge, and withstand vertical/lateral forces using high-strength carbon steel, precise, 4-hole or 6-hole machining, and, anti-corrosion finishes.
Key Features of BS80A Fish Plates:
- Precise Compatibility: Manufactured according to British Standard BS47-1, ensuring a perfect, tight fit for BS80A rail profiles.
- Material Strength: Constructed from high-strength carbon steel, such as 55# steel or Q235, which offers excellent durability and structural integrity under heavy loads.
| Material Type | Typical Grade / Designation | Chemical Composition (wt%) | Notes / Equivalent Standards |
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q235 (GB/T 700) | C: ≤0.22 | Common mild steel for general joint bars. Similar to ASTM A36, S235JR. |
| Si: ≤0.35 | |||
| Mn: 0.30-0.65 | |||
| P: ≤0.045 | |||
| S: ≤0.045 | |||
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q255 (GB/T 700) | C: 0.18-0.28 | Slightly higher strength than Q235. |
| Si: ≤0.35 | |||
| Mn: 0.40-0.70 | |||
| P: ≤0.045 | |||
| S: ≤0.045 | |||
| Medium Carbon Steel | 50Mn / 50BA (GOST 10779) | C: 0.47-0.55 | Classic high-strength fish plate steel. Widely used for mainline joints. |
| Si: 0.17-0.37 | |||
| Mn: 0.80-1.20 | |||
| P: ≤0.040 | |||
| S: ≤0.045 | |||
| Medium Carbon Steel | 55# (GB/T 699) | C: 0.52-0.60 | Standard medium carbon steel for demanding applications. Similar to AISI 1055. |
| Si: 0.17-0.37 | |||
| Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |||
| P: ≤0.035 | |||
| S: ≤0.035 |
- Design & Structure: Features a tapered profile on the top and bottom edges, enabling it to wedge firmly between the rail head and base when bolted.
- Hole Configuration: Typically available in 4-hole or 6-hole configurations to ensure rigid connection.
- Performance: Maintains precise rail alignment, enables smooth wheel load transfer, and provides stability to rail joints.
- Surface Treatment: Available with anti-corrosion treatments, including painting, black, or, galvanizing to suit different environmental conditions.
- Weight: Approximately 6.5 kg per piece for a 4-hole standard fish plate.
- Types: Standard, insulated, and joggled (for temporary repairs) variants are available, allowing for versatility in maintenance.
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 | ||
| 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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