The rail technical team at GNEE factory has summarized the following points to help us to understand steel rails. Let us see them together.
The function of steel rails
Steel rails are a vital part of railways, designed to bear the weight and guide the movement of trains. Their main roles involve supporting the train's weight, absorbing impact and lateral forces, and guiding trains along the correct track. In electrified railways or automatic block sections, steel rails can also be used for track circuits.
Types of steel rails
GB standard rails: Used in China's railway systems. Conventionally, the mass per meter is typically expressed in kilograms per meter (kg/m). Common standard steel rails in China include 75kg/m, 60kg/m, 50kg/m, 43kg/m, 38kg/m, and others.
Rail length specifications
The length of steel rails is commonly specified in two main sizes: 12.5 meters and 25.0 meters. The 25.0m length is commonly used for heavy and extra-heavy rails. Different railway systems and standards may have specific requirements for rail lengths, so it is crucial to select the appropriate length based on the actual needs.
Cross-section of steel rails
Steel rails feature an I-beam cross-sectional profile, consisting of three parts: the rail head, rail web, and rail base.
