Rail track, also called railroad rail, railroad track, steel rail and so on, is widely used in the railway track system. Together with the cooperation with the railroad switch, it can make trains running without turning to the other directions. In general, rail track is consist of two parallel steel tracks and lays steadily on the railway sleepers.
What Are the Advantages of Steel Rails?
- Durability
Steel is an extremely durable material that can withstand heavy loads and intense pressure. Steel rails can last for many years with minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for railway tracks. They can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and weather conditions, making them an excellent option for outdoor use. Steel rails also have a high resistance to wear and tear, which is crucial for a component that is continuously exposed to the weight and pressure of a train.
| Steel Grade | C(%) | Si | Mn | Cr | V | P | S | Tensile Strength (Rm/MPa) |
| U71Mn | 0.65~0.76 | 0.15~0.58 | 0.70~1.40 | – | – | ≤0.035 | ≤0.030 | ≥880 |
| U75V | 0.71~0.80 | 0.50~0.80 | 0.75~1.05 | – | 0.04~0.12 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.030 | ≥980 |
| U78CrV | 0.72~0.82 | 0.50~0.80 | 0.70~1.05 | 0.30~0.50 | 0.04~0.12 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.030 | ≥1080 |
| U77MnCr | 0.72~0.82 | 0.10~0.50 | 0.80~1.10 | 0.25~0.40 | – | ≤0.035 | ≤0.025 | ≥980 |
| U76CrRE | 0.71~0.81 | 0.50~0.80 | 0.80~1.10 | 0.25~0.35 | 0.04~0.08 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.025 | ≥1080 |
- Strength
Steel is one of the strongest materials available, and steel rails are no exception. They can support heavy loads, such as freight trains, and distribute the weight of the train evenly over the track. The strength of steel rails helps to prevent derailments and accidents, ensuring the safety of both passengers and cargo. The strength of steel also allows for the construction of longer and wider tracks, enabling trains to travel faster and carry more goods and people.
- Cost-effectiveness
While the initial cost of steel rails may be higher than other materials, such as wood or concrete, they are often more cost-effective in the long run. Steel rails require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. They also have a lower risk of failure, which can lead to costly repairs and downtime. Additionally, steel rails can be recycled, reducing waste and environmental impact.
- Versatility
Steel rails come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing them to be used in a range of railway applications. They can be customized to fit specific track requirements, such as curves, switches, and grades. This versatility allows for the creation of a more efficient and effective railway system, improving transportation and logistics.
- Ease of Installation
Steel rails are relatively easy to install compared to other materials, such as concrete or wood. They can be installed quickly and efficiently, reducing construction time and costs. This ease of installation also allows for repairs and replacements to be done quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions to railway operations.
Steel rail types
There are many ways for steel rail classification, such as weight, application, international standard, and etc.
- Classified by weight
The type of steel rail is usually divided by weight. For example, we often say a 50kg rail, which means rails with a weight of 50kg/m, and so on. There are 38kg rails, 43kg rails, 50kg rails, 60kg rails, 75kg rails, etc. There are also 24kg rails and 18kg rails, of which rails of 43 rails and above are generally called heavy rails, otherwise, the steel rails weight below 43kg are called light rail. There is a special kind of steel rail that is called crane rail. Crane rail is used for crane railway.
- Classified by international standard
For meeting various sizes of different countries around the world, steel rail can be process according to international standard, such as GB, AREMA, BS, UIC, JIS, DIN, AECE, and etc.
| Rail Type | Standard | Size | Material | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QU Series | Chinese YB/T 5055-2014 |
QU70, QU80, QU100, QU120 |
U71Mn, U75V | 12m |
| A Series | German DIN536 |
A45, A55, A65, A75, A100, A120, A150 |
50Mn,U71Mn | 10/12/15m |
| ASCE Series | American ASTM, AREMA |
ASCE25, ASCE40, ASCE60, ASCE75, ASCE85, ASCE90, ASCE115, ASCE136 |
700/900A/1100 | 6-12m, 12-25m |
| UIC Series | International Union of Railways UIC860-0, EN-13674-1 |
UIC50, UIC54, UIC60 | 900A/1100 | 12-25m |
| Mining Rail | GB /T 11264-2012 | 8kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 22kg, 24kg, 30kg |
Q235B, 55Q | 6-24m |
| Heavy Railroad Rails | GB 2585-2007 | 38kg, 43kg, 50kg, 60kg, 75kg | 50Mn,U71Mn | 6-24m |
| BS Series | British BS11-1985 |
BS50'O',BS60A,BS60R, BS75A,BS75R,BS80A, BS100A,BS113A |
700/900A | 8-25m |
| JIS Series | Japanese JIS E1103/1101 |
15kg, 22kg, 30A, 37A, 50N, CR73, CR100 |
According to JIS | 9-10m |
| AS Series | Australian AS 1085 |
31kg, 41kg, 47kg, 50kg, 53kg, 60kg, 66kg, 68kg, 73kg, 86kg, 89kg |
900A/1100 | 8-25m |
| EN Series | EN Standard EN 13674-4 |
54E1, 60E1, 39E1, 45E1, 49E1, 49E2, 49E5, 50E1, 50E6, 54E4 | R200, R260, R260MN, R350HT | 6-24m |
| ISCOR Series | South African ISCOR |
15kg, 22kg, 30kg, 40kg, 48kg, 57kg |
700/900A | 9-25m |
At GNEE RAIL, we specialize in providing a full range of rail components, including heavy rail,light rail, crane rail and rail fastening, as well as matching high-performance rail clips and fastening solutions. Backed by strict quality control and industry certifications, our products are engineered to meet international standards and diverse project demands.
