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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 .
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