what are fish plates used for?

Feb 06, 2026 Leave a message

A rail fish plate is a structural connector that mechanically binds adjacent rail webs, allowing jointed rails to function as a continuous structural element capable of transmitting bending and shear forces. GNEE RAIL offers fish plates suitable for GB rails, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rail sections, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rails, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with installation training and technical consultation.

 

rail joint

 

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

 

What are fish plates used for?

 

Fish plates (or splice bars) are heavy steel plates bolted to the web of two adjacent rails to connect them securely in railway tracks. They maintain precise horizontal and vertical alignment at joints, transfer wheel loads from one rail to the next, and ensure track continuity, strength, and safety.

 

Key Functions and Uses of Fish Plates:

 

  • Connecting Rails: They act as a fastener, joining rail ends together to create a continuous track.

 

  • Alignment & Stability: They keep rail ends properly aligned to prevent derailments, ensuring a smooth, safe ride.

 

rail joint

 

  • Load Distribution: They help distribute the weight of train wheels across the rail joint, reducing pressure on the joint itself.

 

  • Structural Support: They add vertical and horizontal stiffness, preventing the joint from sagging or misaligning under heavy loads.

 

  • Thermal Expansion: They allow for small gaps at joints to accommodate the expansion and contraction of rails due to temperature changes.

 

Types and Applications:

 

  • Standard Fish Plates: Used for connecting rails of the same height.

 

  • Belly/Broken Rail Fish Plates: Used for repairing broken rails and providing additional support.

 

  • Common Applications: Widely used in conventional railway tracks, joints, turnouts, and in rail transport modeling for electrical continuity.

 

rail fish plate

 

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.

 

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.

 

Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.