A rail fish plate is a fundamental joint component that allows non-welded rail systems to operate safely by restoring structural continuity and load transfer capability at rail connections. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates covering GB 8–60 kg/m, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70–QU120, JIS rail profiles, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with full technical support for jointed track systems.
Which joint is used in a train?
Rail joints, also known as fishplates or joint bars, are used in trains to connect two rail tracks, holding them in position. Key types include bolted joints (before welding), insulated joints (for signaling), and compromise joints (for connecting different rail sections). These joints maintain track safety, allow for thermal expansion, and provide stability.
Common Joint Types and Their Applications:
- Bolted Joints: The standard method for connecting two rail ends, usually using fishplates with four or six bolts.
- Insulated/Glued Joints: Critical for modern high-speed trains, these joints electrically isolate sections of track for signaling systems.
- Compromise Joints: Used to connect rails with different sections or sizes.
- Square Joints: Positioned directly opposite each other on both rails, common in straight tracks.
- Staggered Joints: Positioned opposite the center of the opposite rail, often used to improve ride stability.
- Suspended Joints: Located between two sleepers, ensuring better load distribution.
| Joint Type | Key Specification / Description |
| Standard Rail Joint (Fish Plate) | - Profile: Matches the rail section (e.g., UIC 60, 136RE). |
| - Length: Typically 600mm or 800mm per side. | |
| - Holes: 4 or 6 bolt holes per bar. | |
| Insulated Rail Joint (IRJ) | - Material: Steel core with composite insulating end-posts/plates, or full epoxy composite. |
| - Electrical Resistance: >10⁸ Ω. | |
| Compromise Rail Joint | - Design: Connects two different rail profiles (e.g., UIC 54 to UIC 60). |
| - Profile: Each side is machined to match its respective rail section. | |
| Joggled Rail Joint | - Feature: Has a depressed (joggled) section to allow continuous rail head surface for smoother wheel passage. |
| Bridge Rail Joint | - Design: Often reinforced (thicker web/longer length) for high-stress locations like bridge approaches. |
| Glued Insulated Joint | - Construction: Steel bars bonded to composite insulation using high-strength adhesive for improved durability. |
| Welded Rail Joint (for CWR) | - Type: Flash-butt or thermite weld. |
| - Specification: Weld must meet mechanical properties equal to or greater than the parent rail. | |
| Expansion Joint (for BRE) | - Feature: Allows controlled thermal expansion in long rails on bridges or in extreme temperature zones. |
Specifications of Various Standards of Railway Fish Plate
| Fishplate for UIC Standard Steel Rail | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Rail Type | Steel Rail Weight (KG/M) | Fishplate Standard | Fishplate Material |
| UIC54 | 54.43 | UIC | 45#,55# |
| UIC60 | 60.34 | ||
| Fishplate for BS Standard Steel Rail | |||
| BS50'O' | 24.833 | BS 47-1 |
55#,45# European Grade 700 |
| BS60A | 30.618 | ||
| BS75R | 37.041 | ||
| BS80A | 39.761 | ||
| BS90A | 45.099 | ||
| BS100A | 50.182 | ||
| BS113A | 56.398 | ||
| Joint Bar for AREMA 2007 Standard Steel Rail | |||
| 100RE(TR50) | 50.35 | AREMA 2007 |
45#,55#, AREMA Grade Steel |
| 115RE | 56.9 | ||
| 115-119RE | |||
| 132RE | 65.31 | ||
| 133RE | 66.1 | ||
| 136RE | 67.41 | ||
| 132-136RE | |||
| Fishplate For Chinese Standard Steel Rail | |||
| GB15KG | 15.2 | YB226-63 | Q235,45# |
| GB18KG | 18.06 | YB225-63 | |
| GB22KG | 22.3 | YB14-63 | |
| GB24KG | 24.46 | ||
| GB30KG | 30.1 | YB351-63 | |
| GB38KG | 38.733 | TB/T 2345-2008 | 45#,55# |
| GB43KG | 44.653 | ||
| GB50KG | 51.514 | ||
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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