↵
Rail Fishplate Fastening System
A Railway Fishplate, also termed a rail joint bar or splice bar, is a pair of profiled steel bars bolted in opposing pairs across the web of adjoining rail ends to create a continuous mechanical connection . Typically forged or rolled from high-strength carbon or alloy steel to international standards like BS, UIC, or AREMA, its wedge-shaped profile features sloping top and bottom faces that taper inwards . When tightened with high-tensile fishbolts featuring oval-neck anti-rotation collars, the plates wedge securely against the rail head and foot, transferring vertical wheel loads across the joint while maintaining precise horizontal and vertical alignment .
Technical Specifications:
| Feature Category | Key Benefit | Common Application |
|---|---|---|
| Wedge-Angle Profile | Self-tightening under load maintains alignment | Standard bolted track joints |
| Oval-Neck Fishbolts | Prevents spinning during installation and maintenance | All fishplated connections |
| Insulated Construction | Blocks electrical current for signaling isolation | Track circuit boundaries, automatic block sections |
| Compromise Design | Joins dissimilar rail sections without adapters | Transition zones between rail weights |
| Double Fishplate | Maximum flexural rigidity at critical points | Bridge decks, switch heels, high-impact areas |
| 10.9 Grade Bolts | High clamping force with fatigue resistance | Heavy-haul freight corridors |
Installation & Maintenance Perspective:
- The double-head profile features precisely machined slopes matching the rail's head underside and foot top face .
- Tightening bolts draws plates together, creating a self-tightening wedge that resists separation under load.
- Top and bottom slopes of 1:4 or steeper optimize the wedging effect while preventing over-stress .
- Curved fillet radii of 9-21 mm accommodate rail web transitions and reduce stress concentrations .
Maintenance & Operational Perspective
- Fishbolts feature oval or elliptical necks that lock into plate slots, preventing rotation during nut tightening .
- 8.8 to 10.9 grade high-strength bolts with ribbed domed heads or chamfered indicators identify strength classes .
- Tension washers or spring washers maintain clamping force despite joint settlement and vibration .
- Bolt hole clearance accommodates thermal movement while maintaining electrical bonding requirements .
Gnee Professional supplier
Hot Tags: railroad fiahplate, China railroad fiahplate manufacturers, suppliers, factory, asce rail material specifications, compromise joint bar types, fish bolts are made of, joggled fish plate specification, compromise rail joint, normal fish plate
