What Is the Weight of AREMA 115RE Rail?
115 lb rail weight refers to a rail section weighing approximately 115 pounds per yard (57.04 kg/m). Commonly designated as 115RE rail under AREMA standards, this rail profile is widely used in freight railways, industrial tracks, port facilities, mining railways, and heavy-haul transportation systems. Due to its balance of strength, durability, and economic efficiency, 115RE rail remains one of the most widely used rail sections in North America and many international railway projects.
For engineers, railway contractors, and procurement professionals, understanding the actual weight, dimensions, section properties, and application range of 115 lb rail is essential for proper rail selection and track design.
What Are the Standard Dimensions of 115RE Rail?
The 115RE rail is a standard AREMA profile with a nominal weight of 115 lb/yd (57.04 kg/m). It features a rail height of 168.3 mm, a head width of 69.85 mm, and a base width of 139.70 mm. With a web thickness of 15.88 mm and a total section area of 73.55 cm², this design is optimized for durability and load-bearing capacity in heavy-haul railway applications.
| Property | 115RE Rail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 115 lb/yd (57.04 kg/m) |
| Rail Height | 168.28 mm (6.625 in) |
| Head Width | 69.85 mm (2.75 in) |
| Base Width | 139.70 mm (5.50 in) |
| Web Thickness | 15.88 mm (0.625 in) |
| Section Area | 73.55 cm² |
These dimensions provide an excellent combination of vertical stiffness and lateral stability, making the rail suitable for both mainline and industrial railway applications.
Why Is 115RE Rail Widely Used in Railway Infrastructure?
The widespread use of 115RE rail is primarily due to its proven performance under medium‑ to heavy‑duty traffic conditions. Compared with lighter rail sections such as 90 lb or 100 lb rails, 115RE rail offers significantly improved wear resistance and structural strength while remaining more economical than heavier sections such as 132RE or 136RE.
Typical applications include:
| Application | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Freight Railways | Excellent |
| Industrial Sidings | Excellent |
| Port Rail Systems | Excellent |
| Mining Railways | Very Good |
| Intermodal Facilities | Excellent |
| Heavy Haul Railways | Good |
Its robust profile allows it to accommodate substantial axle loads while maintaining long-term track geometry stability.
How Does 115 lb Rail Compare with Other Railway Rail Sections?
Rail weight is one of the primary factors considered during railway design. The following comparison illustrates where 115RE rail fits within the industry.
| Rail Section | Weight (lb/yd) | Weight (kg/m) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90RA | 90 | 44.64 | Light Freight |
| 100RE | 100 | 49.60 | Industrial Track |
| 115RE | 115 | 57.04 | Freight & Mainline |
| 132RE | 132 | 65.47 | Heavy Haul |
| 136RE | 136 | 67.56 | Heavy Freight |
| 141RE | 141 | 69.94 | High Axle Loads |
Global Rail Sections Available from GNEE RAIL
In addition to 115RE rail, GNEE RAIL supplies a broad range of railway and crane rail profiles meeting international standards.
| Standard | Available Models |
|---|---|
| AREMA | ASCE25–ASCE85, 100RE, 115RE, 132RE, 136RE, 141RE |
| UIC 860 | UIC50, UIC54, UIC60 |
| DIN 536 | A55, A65, A75, A100, A120 |
| GB Heavy Rail | 38kg/m, 43kg/m, 50kg/m, 60kg/m |
| QU Crane Rail | QU70, QU80, QU100, QU120 |
| BS 11 | Various British Rail Sections |
GNEE RAIL also provides complete rail fastening systems, including elastic rail clips, rail pads, fish plates, rail bolts, anchor systems, turnout components, and customized railway engineering support.
FAQ About 115 lb Rail Weight
- How much does 115RE rail weigh per meter?
115RE rail weighs approximately 57.04 kilograms per meter, equivalent to 115 pounds per yard.
- What is the difference between 115RE and 132RE rail?
132RE rail is heavier and offers greater load-bearing capacity and wear resistance, while 115RE rail provides a more economical solution for medium to heavy freight applications.
- Is 115 lb rail suitable for heavy-haul railways?
Yes. 115RE rail can be used in many heavy-haul and freight railway applications, although higher axle-load systems often utilize 132RE or 136RE rail sections.
- What standard defines 115RE rail?
115RE rail is defined under AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) railway standards.
- Can GNEE RAIL provide customized rail lengths?
Yes. GNEE RAIL supplies customized rail lengths, drilling, cutting, machining, fastening systems, and complete railway track solutions according to project requirements.
Conclusion
The 115 lb rail weight designation corresponds to the widely used 115RE rail section weighing 115 pounds per yard or 57.04 kg per meter. Its combination of structural strength, wear resistance, and cost efficiency makes it a preferred choice for freight railways, industrial tracks, port facilities, and mining operations worldwide. As a professional railway infrastructure supplier, GNEE RAIL provides 115RE rail, UIC rails, DIN crane rails, QU crane rails, rail clips, rail pads, fish plates, rail bolts, and comprehensive railway engineering services to support global railway construction and maintenance projects.
