What are the length and weight of the steel rail?

Dec 30, 2025 Leave a message

As an essential component of railway track structure, steel rail is applied to guide train wheels move forward. The function of rail is to withstand the enormous pressure of the wheel, and pass it to the sleepers. Steel rail must provide continuous, smooth rolling surface of least resistance to train wheel.

 

steel rail

 

What are the length and weight of the steel rail?

 

Standard Weight and Length Specifications for Steel Rails:


The weight of steel rails is measured in pounds per yard (lbs/yd) or kilograms per meter (kg/m), while the length is typically measured in feet or meters. The standard weight and length specifications for steel rails vary depending on the type of rail and the application.

 

  • Light rail:

 

steel rail

 

Light rail is used in light-duty applications, such as light-rail transit (LRT) systems or industrial tracks. The standard weight for light rail ranges from 30 lbs/yd (14.88 kg/m) to 50 lbs/yd (24.79 kg/m), while the standard length is typically 30 feet (9.14 meters) or 36 feet (10.97 meters).

 

  • Standard rail:

 

track rail

 

Standard rail is the most commonly used type of rail for heavy-duty applications, such as mainline tracks and heavy-haul lines. The standard weight for standard rail ranges from 90 lbs/yd (44.61 kg/m) to 141 lbs/yd (69.96 kg/m), while the standard length is typically 39 feet (11.89 meters) or 80 feet (24.38 meters).

 

  • Heavy rail:

 

train rail

 

Heavy rail is used in the heaviest-duty applications, such as heavy-haul lines and high-speed rail systems. The standard weight for heavy rail ranges from 136 lbs/yd (67.33 kg/m) to 175 lbs/yd (86.58 kg/m), while the standard length is typically 80 feet (24.38 meters) or 120 feet (36.58 meters).

 

Factors Affecting Steel Rail Weight and Length:

 

The weight and length of steel rails are influenced by several factors, including the type of rail, the application, the track geometry, and the environmental conditions. Here are some of the factors that affect the weight and length of steel rails:

 

  • Types of Rail:

 

Different types of rail have different weight and length specifications, depending on their intended application. Light rail, for example, is designed for use in light-duty applications, such as LRT systems or industrial tracks, while heavy rail is designed for use in heavy-duty applications, such as heavy-haul lines and high-speed rail systems.

 

  • Application:

 

The weight and length of steel rails also depend on the application. Mainline tracks, for example, require heavier and longer rails than industrial tracks or LRT systems, as they must support heavier loads and higher speeds.

 

steel rail

 

  • Track Geometry:

 

The weight and length of steel rails also depend on the track geometry. Curved tracks, for example, require shorter rails than straight tracks, as they must be able to bend around the curve without causing derailments or other safety issues.

 

  • Environmental Conditions:

 

The weight and length of steel rails also depend on the environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Cold temperatures, for example, can cause steel rails to contract, which may lead to buckling or other safety issues. As a result, steel rails in cold climates may need to be shorter and thicker than those in warmer climates.

 

Rail Products Range From GNEE RAIL

 

In addition to the Chinese standard crane rail, we also provide various types of rail products in the following other national standards.

 

  • Steel Rails & Processing: Offering rails with customized services such as cutting, drilling, and special-shaped processing.

 

  • Flat Bar Rails: High-quality flat steel rails for beam cranes.

 

  • Rail System Solutions: Complete systems including rails, rail clips, steel soleplates, rail joints, and rail pads.

 

track rail

 

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

 

If you have any needs for track rail products, please feel free to contact us at GNEE RAIL. A one-stop service for all your crane track and accessories needs.