Rails

 

 

Steel rails, also known as railway tracks, are the primary longitudinal steel components of a railway track system designed to provide a smooth, continuous, and stable surface for train wheels while transferring heavy loads to the sleepers below.

 

To ensure safety and interoperability across different global networks, steel rails are manufactured according to a variety of rigorous international and regional standards, including Chinese Standards (GB/TB), European Standards (EN 13674), American Standards (AREMA/ASTM), International Union of Railways Standards (UIC 860), British Standards (BS), Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), Australian Standards (AS), and Russian Standards (GOST)，etc.

 

 

Steel rails are primarily classified by their profile shape, weight, and material composition, with flat-bottom (Vignoles) rails being the most common worldwide, complemented by specialized types like crane and grooved rails. Key types include flat-bottom, bullhead, and grooved rails, ranging from light to heavy, designed for different loads and standards.

 

 

 

GNEE RAIL is a direct manufacturer of steel rails. We produce a comprehensive range of steel rails that strictly adhere to all major global standards (GB, AREMA, EN, UIC, BS, JIS, AS, and GOST).

 

Our Core Advantages:

 

• Comprehensive Inventory: We maintain a large stock of common profiles (like UIC60, 115RE, and 50kg) to ensure fast delivery for urgent projects.

 

• Strict Quality Control: All our rails undergo rigorous testing, including chemical composition analysis, tensile strength tests, ultrasonic flaw detection, and dimensional checks to ensure 100% compliance with international standards.

 

• Customization Services: Beyond standard lengths, we provide custom processing such as precision cutting, drilling (for fishplate holes), and bending.

 

• Full Fastening Systems: GNEE RAIL doesn't just provide the track; we supply the matching clips, fishplates, sleepers, and spikes,etc, ensuring perfect compatibility for your entire rail infrastructure.

 

 

 

 

Steel rail specifications are defined by weight per meter (kg/m or lb/yd), cross-sectional profile (e.g., 60E1, UIC54), material composition (high-carbon steel), and mechanical properties like hardness (HB). Common rail types are classified as light , heavy , or crane rails.

 

 

GB Light Rail:

 

Classification		Height(mm)	Head (mm)	Bottom (mm)	Thick(mm)	Weight (kg/m)
Light Rail	8 KG/M	65	25	54	7	8.42
	9 KG/M	63.5	32.1	63.5	5.9	8.94
	12 KG/M	69.85	38.1	69.85	7.54	12.2
	15 KG/M	79.37	42.86	79.37	8.33	15.2
	18 KG/M	80	40	80	10	18.06
	22 KG/M	93.66	50.8	93.66	10.72	22.3
	24 KG/M	107	51	90	10.9	24.46
	30 KG/M	107.95	60.33	107.95	12.3	30.1

 

GB Heavy Rail:

 

Classification		Height(mm)	Head (mm)	Bottom (mm)	Thick(mm)	Weight (kg/m)
Heavy Rail	38 KG/M	134	68	114	13	38.733
	43 KG/M	140	70	114	14.5	44.653
	45 KG/M	145	67	126	14.5	45.546
	50 KG/M	152	70	132	15.5	51.514
	60 KG/M	176	73	150	16.5	60.64

 

QU Crane Rail:

 

Classification		Height(mm)	Head (mm)	Bottom (mm)	Thick(mm)	Weight (kg/m)
Crane Rail	QU 70	120	70	120	28	52.8
	QU 80	130	80	130	32	63.69
	QU 100	150	100	150	38	88.96
	QU 120	170	120	170	44	118.1

 

 

GOST Light Rails：

 

Rail Type	Mass (kg/m)	Height (mm)	Head Width (mm)	Base Width (mm)	Web Thickness (mm)
R8	8.42	65	30	54	7.0
R11	11.18	80	32	66	7.0
R18	17.91	90	40	80	10.0
R24	24.90	108	51	92	10.5
R33	33.48	128	60	110	12.0

 

GOST Mainline Railway Rails：

 

Rail Type	Mass (kg/m)	Height (mm)	Head Width (mm)	Base Width (mm)	Web Thickness (mm)
R43	44.65	140	70	114	14.5
R50	51.84	152	70	132	16.0
R65	64.88	180	75	150	18.0
R75	74.41	192	75	150	20.0

 

GOST Crane Rails：

 

Rail Type	Mass (kg/m)	Height (mm)	Head Width (mm)	Base Width (mm)	Web Thickness (mm)
KP70	46.10	120	70	120	23.0
KP80	63.69	130	80	130	26.0
KP100	88.96	150	100	150	28.0
KP120	118.47	170	120	170	30.0
KP140	146.96	170	140	170	38.0

 

 

ASTM standard, AREMA standard
Size	Dimension(mm)				Weight (kg/m)	Length(m)
	Head	Height	Foot	Thickness
ASCE 25	38.1	69.85	69.85	7.54	12.4	6-12
ASCE 30	42.86	79.38	79.38	8.33	14.88
ASCE 40	47.62	88.9	88.9	9.92	19.84
ASCE 60	60.32	107.95	107.95	12.3	29.76
ASCE 75	62.71	122.24	122.24	13.49	37.2	12-25
ASCE 85	65.09	131.76	131.76	14.29	42.17
ASCE 90	69.09	130.18	142.88	14.29	44.65
ASCE 115	69.06	139.7	168.28	15.88	56.9
ASCE 136	74.61	152.4	185.74	17.46	67.41
ASCE 175	109.86	152.4	152.4	38.1	86.8

 

 

Standard: BS11:1985
Size	Dimension(mm)				Weight (kg/m)	Length(m)
	Head	Height	Bottom	Thickness
50 O	52.39	100.01	100.01	10.32	24.833	6-18
60 A	57.15	114.3	109.54	11.11	30.618
75 A	61.91	128.59	114.3	12.7	37.455	8-25
75 R	61.91	128.59	122.24	13.1	37.041
80 A	63.5	133.35	117.47	13.1	39.761
80 R	63.5	133.35	127	13.49	39.674
90 A	66.67	142.88	127	13.89	45.099
100 A	69.85	152.4	133.35	15.08	50.182
113 A	69.85	158.75	139.7	20	56.398

 

 

Standard: UIC860
Size	Dimension(mm)				Weight (kg/m)	Length(m)
	Head	Height	Bottom	Thickness
UIC50	70	152	125	15	50.46	12-25
UIC54	70	159	140	16	54.43
UIC60	74.3	172	150	16.5	60.21

 

 

Size	Dimension(mm)				Weight	Material	Length
	Head(mm)	Height(mm)	Bottom(mm)	Web(mm)
49 E1	67	149	125	14	49.39	R260/R350HT	12-25
49 E2	67	148	125	14	49.1	R260/R350HT	12-25
50 E1	65	153	134	15.5	50.37	R260/R350HT	12-25
50 E2	72	151	140	15	49.97	R260/R350HT	12-25
50 E4	70	152	125	15	50.46	R260/R350HT	12-25
50 E5	67	148	135	14	49.9	R260/R350HT	12-25
50 E6	65	153	140	15.5	50.9	R260/R350HT	12-25
54 E1	70	159	140	16	54.77	R260/R350HT	12-25
54 E2	67.01	161	125	16	53.82	R260/R350HT	12-25
54 E3	67	154	125	16	54.57	R260/R350HT	12-25
55 E1	62	155	134	19	56.03	R260/R350HT	12-25
60 E1	72	172	150	16.5	60.21	R260/R350HT	12-25

 

 

SIZE	DIMENSION(mm)				WEIGHT (kg/m)	MATERIAL	LENGTH (m)
	HEAD A (mm)	HEIGHT B (mm)	BASE C (mm)	WEB D (mm)
A45	45	55	125	24	22.1	700/900A/1100	10-12
A55	55	65	150	31	31.8	700/900A/1100	10-12
A65	65	75	175	38	43.1	700/900A/1100	10-12
A75	75	85	200	45	56.2	700/900A/1100	10-12
A100	100	95	200	60	74.3	700/900A/1100	10-12
A120	120	105	200	72	100	700/900A/1100	10-12
A150	150	150	200	80	150.3	700/900A/1100	10-12

 

 

Standard: AS 1085
Size	Dimension(mm)				Weight (kg/m)	Length(m)
	Head	Height	Bottom	Thickness
31KG	63.5	117.5	108	11.5	31.5	8-25
47KG	70	141.3	127	14.3	46.5
50KG	70	154	127	15	50.8
60KG	70	170	146	16.5	61
68KG	73.4	186	152	17.5	67.6
73KG	70	157	146	32	73.63
86KG	102	102	165	84.11	85.5
89KG	102	114	178	51	89.81

 

 

Standard: JIS E 1103/1101
Size	Dimension(mm)				Weight (kg/m)	Length(m)
	Head	Height	Bottom	Thickness
JIS 15KG	42.86	79.37	79.37	8.33	15.2	9-10
JIS 22KG	50.8	93.66	93.66	10.72	22.3	9-10
JIS 30A	60.33	107.95	107.95	12.3	30.1	9-10
JIS 37A	62.71	122.24	122.24	13.49	37.2	10-25
JIS 50N	65	153	127	15	50.4	10-25
CR 73	100	135	140	32	73.3	10-12
CR 100	120	150	155	39	100.2	10-12

 

 

standard:IS3443-1980
Size	Dimension				Weight (kg/m)	Length (m)
	Head(mm)	Height(mm)	Bottom(mm)	Web(mm)
ISCR50	51.2	90	90	20	29.8	9-12
ISCR60	61.3	105	105	24	40	9-12
ISCR70	70	120	120	28	52.8	9-12
ISCR80	81.7	130	130	32	64.2	9-12
ISCR100	101.9	150	150	38	89	9-12
ISCR120	122	170	170	44	118	9-1

 

 

Size	Dimension(mm)				Weight	Length (m)	Material
	Head(mm)	Height(mm)	Bottom(mm)	Web(mm)
15KG	41.28	76.2	76.2	7.54	14.905	9	700
22KG	50.01	95.25	95.25	9.92	22.542	9
30KG	57.15	109.54	109.54	11.5	30.25	9
40KG	63.5	127	127	14	40.31	9-25	900A
48KG	68	150	127	14	47.6	9-25
57KG	71.2	165	140	16	57.4	9-25

 

 

Size	Height(mm)	Bottom(mm)	Head A (mm)	Head B(mm)	Channel A(mm)	Channel B(mm)	Web(mm)	Weight(kg/m)
59R1	180	180	113	56	42	15	12	58.97
59R2	180	180	113	55.83	42.52	14.65	12	58.14
60R1	180	180	113	56	36	21	12	60.59
60R2	180	180	113	55.83	36.34	20.83	12	59.75

 

 

 

Steel rails are manufactured through a multi-stage process involving electric arc furnace smelting, continuous casting, hot rolling, controlled cooling, and precision finishing. High-carbon steel is rolled at over 1250℃ into the required profile using universal mills, followed by head-hardening to ensure durability and wear resistance for heavy-duty, high-speed applications.

 

 

GNEE RAIL oversees every stage of this process—from the initial melt to final precision testing—to ensure absolute compliance with international standards like AREMA, EN, and GOST.

 

 

The process begins with high-quality raw materials (iron ore or scrap metal) melted in a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). To achieve the high strength required for railway applications, the molten steel undergoes Secondary Refining in a ladle furnace. This step is crucial for removing impurities (like sulfur and phosphorus) and adjusting the chemical composition by adding alloys such as manganese, silicon, and chromium.

 

 

The refined molten steel is poured into a continuous casting machine, which solidifies the metal into long, rectangular blocks called blooms. Unlike standard billets, blooms are much thicker, providing the necessary "reduction ratio" during rolling to ensure a dense, defect-free internal grain structure in the final rail.

 

 

The blooms are heated in a soaking pit or reheating furnace to a uniform temperature (usually above 1200°C). Once reached, the bloom passes through a series of rolling stands.

 

• Breakdown Rolling: Reduces the bloom's size.

 

• Roughing and Intermediate Rolling: Gradually shapes the steel into the recognizable "I-beam" rail profile.

 

• Finishing Rolling: The final pass that ensures the precise dimensions of the rail head, web, and base.

 

 

For high-speed or heavy-haul tracks, rails undergo Head Hardening. This involves specialized cooling techniques (such as air-mist or oil quenching) applied specifically to the rail head. This process creates a fine pearlitic microstructure, significantly increasing the rail’s wear resistance and service life.

 

 

The hot rails are placed on a cooling bed. Because long rails can warp as they cool, they must pass through a Roller Straightening Machine. This machine applies pressure in multiple directions to ensure the rail is perfectly straight—a requirement for safe, high-speed train travel.

 

 

The final stage involves cutting the rails to specific lengths (standard lengths like 12.5m, 25m, or 100m) and, if required, drilling bolt holes.

 

 

 

Rails are the essential, high-carbon steel components of a railway track that provide a smooth, continuous, and level surface for train wheels to roll on with minimal friction. They guide the wheels laterally, bear enormous vertical loads and braking forces, and transfer these loads to the sleepers and ballast, ensuring safe and efficient train operation.

 

The most critical function of a rail is to support the immense vertical weight of the train. A single locomotive can weigh over 100 tons, and the rail must absorb this concentrated load at the "wheel-rail interface" (a contact area roughly the size of a small coin) and distribute it across the sleepers and ballast.

 

 

GNEE RAIL use high-tensile steel and specialized head-profiles to prevent the steel from deforming under these extreme "point loads."

 

Rails act as a continuous guide for the train wheels. Unlike road vehicles, trains do not have a steering wheel; the rail's physical shape forces the wheel flanges to follow the path of the track, even through sharp curves.

 

 

GNEE RAIL maintain strict lateral tolerances. If a rail is even slightly out of alignment, it can cause "hunting oscillation" (shaking), which damages both the track and the train.

 

Steel rails provide a hard, smooth surface that minimizes rolling resistance. This is why trains are the most energy-efficient way to move heavy goods—the friction between a steel wheel and a steel rail is significantly lower than that of rubber on asphalt.

 

 

GNEE RAIL utilize advanced rolling and cooling techniques to ensure the surface of our rails is free from microscopic cracks or irregularities that could increase friction and energy consumption.

 

In modern railway networks, the rails often serve as part of an electrical circuit.

 

• Track Circuits: Low-voltage electricity is passed through the rails to detect the presence of a train. When the metal wheels and axle bridge the two rails, the circuit is completed, signaling that the section is occupied.

 

• Return Current: On electrified lines, the running rails often act as the return path for the traction current back to the substation.

 

 

 

Steel rails are primarily used to form the tracks that guide and support locomotives, freight wagons, and transit vehicles. They provide a smooth, durable, and stable surface to bear heavy dynamic loads, ensuring safe transport in railway networks, industrial, and specialized applications.

 

 

• [Light vs. Heavy Rails]: Light rails are used in mining and temporary transport, while heavy rails are used on main transport lines.

 

• [Crane Rails]: Specially designed with a thick head to withstand heavy weight in industrial settings.

 

 

1. Mainline Railway Systems

This is the most common application, where rails form the permanent way for national and international networks.

 

 

• Passenger Transport: High-speed and conventional rails (such as UIC60 or 60kg) provide a smooth, low-friction surface for passenger trains.

 

• Heavy-Haul Freight: Massive freight trains carrying coal, ore, and grain require heavy-duty rails (like 136RE or R65) that can withstand high axle loads without deforming.

 

2. Urban Transit and Commuter Lines

Lightweight and flexible rail solutions are essential for the infrastructure of modern cities.

 

 

• Metros and Subways: Rails are used in tunnel environments and elevated tracks, often requiring specific vibration-dampening qualities.

 

• Light Rail and Trams: Used for street-level transit, often involving "grooved rails" that are flush with the pavement.

 

3. Industrial and Mining Operations

In demanding environments like mines and factories, rails facilitate the movement of heavy raw materials.

 

 

• Mining Tracks: Light rails (such as R24 or 30kg) are used for underground and surface mine carts to transport minerals and waste.

 

• Factory Logistics: Internal rail systems allow for the automated movement of heavy machinery or large-scale products within manufacturing plants.

 

4. Crane and Port Infrastructure

Specialized rails with wide bases and thick webs are used to support massive lifting equipment.

 

 

• Gantry Cranes: Used in shipyards and container terminals to move heavy shipping containers.

 

• Overhead Cranes: Installed in steel mills and warehouses to facilitate the movement of heavy loads across the facility ceiling.

 

5. Specialized Engineering Projects

Rails are also adapted for unique mechanical and structural uses:

 

• Bridge and Tunnel Maintenance: Specialized tracks for inspection vehicles and maintenance crews.

 

• Temporary Construction: Used in large-scale infrastructure projects to move heavy building materials or temporary machinery.

 

 

 

Leveraging our robust manufacturing infrastructure, GNEE RAIL has successfully delivered high-performance steel rails to numerous countries, including major infrastructure hubs in Southeast Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Our factory handles everything from complex logistics and specialized anti-corrosion packaging to the precision drilling and custom cutting required for immediate installation.

 

 

Our manufacturing credibility is backed by a comprehensive suite of official credentials, including our Certificate of Incorporation and internationally recognized quality benchmarks. GNEE RAIL products undergo rigorous audits to maintain SGS certification and strict compliance with TSI standards, ensuring every rail meets the safety and technical demands of the global market. These certifications serve as a direct guarantee of our metallurgical integrity and our commitment to delivering factory-certified infrastructure solutions worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is a steel rail?

 

A steel rail is the hot-rolled structural steel component that forms the two parallel tracks of a railway. It is designed to provide a continuous, level, and high-strength surface for the wheels of trains, trams, and cranes to roll upon.Rail's geometry is highly engineered with three distinct parts: the Head (to withstand wear and provide guidance), the Web (to resist vertical bending), and the Base (to distribute the load to the sleepers).

 

2. What is a head hardened rail?

 

A head hardened rail (also known as HH rail) is a specialized type of steel rail that has undergone an additional thermal treatment process to significantly increase the hardness and wear resistance of the rail head. While the base and web remain relatively ductile to absorb shocks, the head is hardened to withstand the intense friction and pressure from train wheels.

 

3. What is the standard size of a rail?

 

There is no single "standard size" for a steel rail, as dimensions depend entirely on the specific standard (such as AREMA, EN, or GOST) and the application (light rail vs. heavy-haul). Rails are generally classified by their weight per yard or meter, which dictates their overall physical dimensions.

 

4. How long is a length of rail?

 

Standard steel rail lengths typically range from 12.5m (41ft) to 25m (82ft) in many countries, though 60m to 100m+ lengths are increasingly common for modern, high-speed, or heavy-haul railways to minimize joints. Conventional, older, or jointed tracks often use 12.5m to 25m segments, while long-welded rail (LWR) can span hundreds of meters.

 

5. What are the two types of rails?

 

The two primary types of steel rails based on their structural shape and application are flat-bottom rails (also known as Vignoles rails) and crane rails.

 

6. What is the hardness of a railroad track?

 

Railroad tracks typically have a hardness ranging from 260 to over 400 HBW (Brinell Hardness), with standard rail (R260) usually falling between 260–300 HBW, while heavy-haul and heat-treated rails are harder, often exceeding 340 HBW. This high carbon steel ensures durability, with surface hardness sometimes reaching higher values through work hardening in service.

 

7. What grade of steel is used for rail tracks?

 

Rail tracks are primarily made from high-carbon, pearlitic steel designed for high strength, hardness, and wear resistance. Common international grades include R260 (standard) and R350HT (heat-treated), which typically contain 0.6% to 0.8% carbon and 0.7% to 1.3% manganese.

 

8. What are the properties of rail steel?

 

Rail steel is a specialized high-carbon alloy engineered for extreme durability, featuring high hardness (often 300–400 HB), exceptional wear resistance, and high tensile strength to withstand heavy, repeated loading. It maintains high resistance to deformation, fatigue, and brittle fracture, ensuring safety on railway tracks.

 

9. What is the function of the rail?

 

The primary function of a railway rail is to act as a continuous, stable, and smooth guided surface for train wheels, allowing for the safe movement of passengers and freight.

 

10. What is the difference between track and rail?

 

The primary difference is that rails are the individual steel beams, while track is the complete assembly of rails, ties, and ballast that trains run on. Rails are components (the surface), and the track is the finished structure.
 

As one of the leading rails manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to wholesale rails for sale here and get free sample from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and competitive price.

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