Description
Technical Parameters
Railway Fish Plates
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | To connect two abutting rail ends, ensuring alignment and transmitting forces across the joint. |
| Key Principle | The fish plate "clamps" the rail webs, holding the rail heads and bases in alignment. The joint remains a point of flexibility, not rigidity. |
| Common Names | Joint Bar, Splice Bar. |
| Common Standards | AREMA, UIC (International Union of Railways), BS, EN, GOST. Standards are specific to rail profile (e.g., 115RE, 60E1). |
| Typical Materials | Medium Carbon Steel, High Carbon Micro-alloyed Steel, Quenched & Tempered Steel. |
| Common Coatings | Painting, Galvanization (Zinc Coating), or left as-milled (uncoated). |
Components of a Fish Plate Joint Assembly
A functioning joint requires more than just the plates.
| Component | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Plates (x2) | Clamp the rail webs to maintain alignment. | One plate is placed on the field side (outside) and one on the gauge side (inside) of each rail. |
| Fish Bolts (Nuts & Washers) (x4 or x6) | Provide the clamping force to hold the assembly together. | High-strength bolts. The number (usually 4 or 6 per joint) depends on the rail size and standard. |
| Joint Spacing | The gap left between the two rail ends. | A small, precise gap (e.g., 1/4" or 6mm) is essential to allow for thermal expansion of the rails. |
Comparison: Fish Plated Joint vs. Continuous Welded Rail (CWR)
| Parameter | Fish Plated Joint | Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Quality | Poor. The gap and flexibility create noise and a "click-clack" sensation. | Excellent. Smooth and quiet. |
| Maintenance | High. Regular re-torquing of bolts and inspection of joint components is required. | Low. Significantly less maintenance after installation. |
| Track Strength & Life | Lower. The joint is a focal point for impact and fatigue damage. | Higher. The continuous structure distributes stress evenly. |
| Application | Historical standard, now limited to: Insulated joints, compromise joints, temporary tracks, and some secondary lines. |
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