What Is the Standard 136RE Rail Height?
The standard height of the 136RE rail is 7 5/16 inches (185.74 mm). This measurement is taken vertically from the bottom of the rail base to the top of the rail head and is a core requirement of the AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) standards for heavy-haul track design.
To ensure precision in track engineering and maintenance, the height is always measured in conjunction with the other primary dimensions of the 136RE profile:
- Total Height: 7 5/16" (185.74 mm)
- Base Width: 6" (152.40 mm)
- Head Width: 2 15/16" (74.61 mm)
- Web Thickness: 11/16" (17.46 mm)
| Profile | Standard | Dimensions mm | Section S | Mass m | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | B | C | D | E | cm² | kg/m | ||
| American standard | ||||||||
| 136RE (TR68) | AREMA | 185,70 | 152,40 | 74,60 | 49,20 | 17,50 | 85,90 | 67,50 |
Comparison with Other AREMA Rail Heights
In North American railway projects, height is the most common way to distinguish between different rail weights:
| Rail Profile | Weight (lb/yd) | Standard Height | Typical Use |
| 115RE | 115.0 | 6 5/8" (168.28 mm) | Light freight/Branch lines |
| 132RE | 132.1 | 7 1/8" (180.98 mm) | Mainline freight |
| 136RE | 136.2 | 7 5/16" (185.74 mm) | Heavy Haul/High Traffic |
| 141RE | 141.2 | 7 7/16" (188.91 mm) | Extreme Heavy Haul |
How the 136RE Rail Profile and Material Ensure Track Longevity?
Track stability is driven by dimensions, but longevity is dictated by metallurgy. The geometry of the 136re rail profile works hand-in-hand with premium high-carbon steel to endure severe mechanical abrasion. Because the 136 RE steel rail carries immense tonnage, the material grade is a primary concern for procurement teams.
For curved tracks, turnouts, and steep gradients where wheel-flange friction is intense, the AREMA 136RE rail is frequently supplied with a head-hardened (HH) thermal treatment. This advanced metallurgical process significantly increases the Brinell hardness of the rail head, allowing the 136RE heavy rail to maintain its critical profile shape, resist rolling contact fatigue, and drastically reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Chemical Composition of AREMA Rail Steel:
| AERMA 2019 | Strength Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Ni | Cr | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | 0.74–0.86 | 0.10–0.60 | 0.75–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.010 | |
| Low Alloy Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–0.50 | 0.80–1.10 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.25–0.40 | ≤0.010 |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–1.00 | 0.70–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.40–0.70 | ≤0.010 | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–1.00 | 0.70–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.40–0.70 | ≤0.010 |
Mechanical Properties of AREMA Rail Steel:
| AREMA 2019 | Strength Grade | Yield Strength N/mm2 |
Tension Strength N/mm2 |
Elongation % |
Brinell Hardness HBW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 511MIN | 983MIN | 10MIN | 310MIN |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 724MIN | 1069MIN | 10MIN | 350MIN | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 828MIN | 1179MIN | 10MIN | 370MIN | |
| Low Alloy Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 511MIN | 983MIN | 10MIN | 310MIN |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 552MIN | 1014MIN | 8MIN | 325MIN | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 828MIN | 1179MIN | 10MIN | 370MIN |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will the 136re rail height affect my choice of tie plates?
A: The height determines the vertical clearance, but the base width (6 inches) determines the tie plate compatibility. You must select standard double-shoulder tie plates designed explicitly for heavy rails with a 6-inch base.
Q2: What is the standard shipping length for the 136 lb rail?
A: Common lengths include 39 feet (11.89m), 78 feet, and 80 feet. To optimize international maritime logistics, we precisely cut rails to 39 feet to ensure they fit securely inside standard 40-foot shipping containers.
Q3: Can I connect the 136RE rail directly to an existing 115RE track?
A: No, due to the significant differences in rail height and web thickness, you cannot connect them directly with standard fishplates. You must use engineered compromise joint bars (transition joints) to connect two different rail sections safely.
Q4: Do you offer specific joint bars for the 136re rail section?
A: Yes. We provide customized 4-hole and 6-hole joint bars that are forged to match the exact fishing angles of the 136re rail section, ensuring a seamless and secure flush fit.
Q5: Can you process the rail ends according to our engineering drawings?
A: Yes. We utilize high-precision CNC multi-spindle drilling machines to pre-drill the exact bolt hole patterns at the rail ends according to your project blueprints.
When selecting 136RE rail, understanding the detailed 136re rail dimensions, 136re rail profile, and application requirements is essential for achieving long-term track performance. With extensive experience in railway products, GNEE RAIL can support your project with optimized rail solutions. By operating our own steel rolling lines, CNC drilling centers, and physical testing laboratories, we maintain strict control over exact chemical compositions and dimensional tolerances. This allows us to provide uncompromised product quality, precise processing, and reliable delivery for your track construction or renewal programs without third-party delays.
For detailed drawings, technical consultation, or project-based recommendations, you can contact us to obtain customized rail solutions and professional support tailored to your needs.
