A rail joint is a mechanical connector used to join two rail ends, maintaining track alignment, transferring longitudinal and lateral loads, and providing continuity for train movement. It ensures safe and stable transitions between rails while accommodating expansion and contraction. GNEE RAIL supplies rail joints compatible with GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 crane rails, QU70–QU120, JIS 15KG–CR100, AS1085 31–89 kg, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE 25–175 lb, offering standard fishplates.
What is the purpose of a fish plate?
A fish plate (or splice bar) is a metal bar bolted to the ends of two rails, primarily designed to join them together to form a continuous, stable track. They maintain precise horizontal and vertical alignment, prevent joint deflection, distribute wheel loads, and allow for thermal expansion/contraction while ensuring safe, smooth train passage.
Key functions and details include:
- Structural Integrity: They hold rail ends securely, preventing vertical and horizontal misalignment.
- Load Distribution: They help distribute the load from train wheels across the rail joint to prevent excessive wear.
- Expansion/Contraction: By using slotted holes, they allow rails to expand or contract with temperature changes without buckling.
- Types: Standard, insulated (for signaling systems), and compromised (for joining different rail sections).
- Alternative: In modern, high-speed, or heavy-haul railways, welded rails are often preferred over fish-plated joints to improve track longevity, though they remain essential for temporary or specific infrastructure repairs.
Types of Railway Joint
Railway joints connect adjacent rail ends to ensure structural continuity, safety, and smooth train operation, commonly using fishplates (joint bars) fastened with bolts. Major types include standard (supported/suspended), insulated for signaling, and compromise joints for different rail sizes. They are essential for allowing expansion while maintaining rail alignment.
Key types of railway joints include:
Based on Position/Support:
- Supported Joint: Sleepers are placed directly under the rail joint.
- Suspended Joint: The joint is suspended between two sleepers.
- Bridge Joint: A type of suspended joint where a metal plate (bridge plate) connects the sleepers on both sides.
- Staggered Joint: Joints on one rail are positioned opposite the center of the opposite rail, often used on curves.
- Square Joint: Joints on both rails are opposite each other, common on straight tracks.
Based on Function/Design:
- Insulated Rail Joint (IRJ): Uses high-strength composite materials to electrically isolate rail sections for signaling.
- Compromise Joint: Connects two rails of different sizes or profiles.
- Welded Joint: Rails are welded together to eliminate joints for a smoother ride.
- Common Rail Joint: Standard fishplate joint for connecting rails of the same profile.
- Joggled/Bulge Joint: Used for temporary repairs on broken or fractured rails.
- Expansion Joint: Specialized joint allowing for significant expansion/contraction, often used on long bridges.
Hot sale Common Rail Joint Bars from GNEE RAIL
| No. | Type | Material | Unit weight (kg/pc) | Standard |
| 1 | 136RE 36'' | 55# | 26.72 | AREMA |
| 2 | 115RE 36'' | 24.5 | ||
| 3 | 136RE 24'' | 22.3 | ||
| 4 | 115RE 24'' | 20.4 | ||
| 5 | 100-8 36'' | 15.6 | ||
| 6 | BS80O | 55# | 10.2 | BS |
| 7 | BS80R | 10.2 | ||
| 8 | BS75A | 8.86 | ||
| 9 | BS90A | 13.1 | ||
| 10 | BS100A | 15 | ||
| 11 | UIC50 | 55# | 18 | UIC |
| 12 | UIC54 | 22.8 | ||
| 13 | UIC60 | 27.4 | ||
| 14 | P65 | 55# | 29.7 | GOST |
| 15 | Insulated 60 | 23.2 |
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.
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