What is the weight of a standard 39ft 136RE rail?
The theoretical weight of a standard 39ft 136RE rail is approximately 1,770.6 lbs (or 803.13 kg). This calculation is based on the industry-standard 136re rail weight of 136.2 lbs per yard. In the North American railway industry, 39 feet has historically been the standard length for rail sections because it fits perfectly into a standard 40-foot gondola car for transport.
136re rail dimensions：
| Type of Rails | Dimensions (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Steel Grade | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rail height (A) | Bottom Width (F) | Head Width (C) | Web Thickness (t) | |||
| 90ARA-A (TR45) | 142.9 | 130.2 | 65.1 | 14.3 | 44.65 | Standard Strength (SS) Intermediate Strength (IS) High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) |
| 100RE | 152.4 | 136.5 | 68.3 | 14.3 | 50.34 | |
| 115RE (TR57) | 168.3 | 139.7 | 69.1 | 15.9 | 56.9 | |
| 119RE | 173.1 | 139.7 | 67.5 | 15.9 | 58.86 | |
| 132RE | 180.9 | 152.4 | 76.2 | 16.6 | 65.58 | |
| 133RE | 179.39 | 152.4 | 76.2 | 17.46 | 66.1 | |
| 136RE (TR68) | 185.7 | 152.4 | 74.6 | 17.5 | 67.5 | |
| 141RE | 188.91 | 152.4 | 77.79 | 17.46 | 69.94 | |
GNEE RAIL produces 136 RE steel rail with precise adherence to these weight specifications, ensuring that every 39-foot section meets the rigid mass requirements of AREMA 136RE. Production involves controlled cooling and straightening processes to maintain the integrity of the 136re rail profile across its entire length.
What Are the Advantages of Using 39ft 136RE Rail?
The 136RE rail is a heavy-duty standard widely used in North American Class I railroads and high-tonnage industrial lines. Opting for the 39ft (approximately 11.9 meters) length specifically offers a balance between structural heavy-lifting and logistical practicality.
Here are the primary advantages of using 39ft 136RE rail:
1. Exceptional Load-Bearing Capacity
The "136" in 136RE indicates a weight of 136 pounds per yard. This heavy profile is designed to handle:
- High Axle Loads: It is the industry standard for tracks carrying heavy freight and bulk commodities (coal, ore, grain).
- Reduced Deflection: The stiff cross-section minimizes rail bending under pressure, which extends the life of the ballast and sleepers (crossties) by distributing the load more effectively.
2. Logistical and Transport Efficiency
While modern continuous welded rail (CWR) is often preferred for high-speed lines, the 39ft length remains a "golden standard" for specific logistical reasons:
- Standard Flatcar Compatibility: A 39ft rail fits perfectly on standard 40ft railroad flatcars or within standard shipping containers/trucks without requiring specialized "over-length" permits or extenders.
- Ease of Handling: In maintenance-of-way (MOW) scenarios, 39ft sections are easier to maneuver with standard cranes and hi-rail equipment in tight spots compared to longer 80ft sections.
3. Simplified Maintenance and Repair
For regional lines or industrial sidings, 39ft sections offer significant maintenance advantages:
- Standardized Replacement: Most existing jointed tracks were built using 33ft or 39ft lengths. Using 136RE in 39ft sections allows for "plug-and-play" repairs of damaged segments without extensive cutting or welding.
- Thermal Expansion Management: In jointed track, the 39ft length provides manageable expansion gaps. This reduces the risk of "sun kinks" (track buckling) in extreme heat or rail breaks in extreme cold compared to longer uncontrolled segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many 39ft 136RE rails fit in a standard shipping container?
Due to the 136re rail weight of 1,770.6 lbs per rail, a standard 20ft container is limited by weight rather than space. For 39-foot rails shipped on flat-racks, the total number of rails is restricted by the 20–25 ton capacity of the transport vehicle.
- Does 136RE rail height change as the rail wears down?
Yes, as the head of the 136RE rail wears due to traffic and grinding, the total 136re rail height decreases. This also slightly reduces the 136re rail weight over time. Maintenance standards specify the minimum allowable height before the 136re rail section must be replaced.
- What is the difference in weight between 39ft of 136RE and 115RE?
A 39-foot section of 115RE rail weighs about 1,495 lbs, making the 39ft 136RE rail nearly 275 lbs heavier. This extra weight in the 136RE heavy rail provides significantly more stiffness and wear life for heavy freight applications.
- Are 39ft 136RE rails still used for new construction?
While many Class I railroads now prefer 80-foot or 1,600-foot CWR, the 39-foot 136 lb rail remains essential for turnouts, crossings, and short-track repairs where handling longer sections is impractical.
- Is 136 RE steel rail available in custom lengths?
Yes, although 39ft and 80ft are standard, the 136re rail profile can be cut to any specific length.
GNEE RAIL provides 136RE rail manufactured strictly to current AREMA standards, ensuring that every 39-foot section meets the theoretical weight and physical dimensions required for heavy-haul infrastructure. Through the use of controlled rolling technology and full-length ultrasonic inspection, material consistency is guaranteed across every batch. Comprehensive logistics support and Mill Test Certificates (MTC) are provided to ensure that every 136 RE steel rail order is delivered with verified technical data for project compliance.
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