55Q vs Q235 GB 22kg Mining Tracks Rail
Jan 15, 2026
A GB 22 kg light rail is a small-section flat-bottom rail manufactured to China National Standard GB 11264-1989, with a nominal weight of about 22 kg per metre. It is built for light-load, low-speed systems where installation cost and flexibility matter more than extreme carrying capacity. Typical applications are mining tracks, industrial sidings, port facilities, workshops and short branch lines. One point confuses many buyers: the same 22 kg/m section can be rolled in two different steel grades, 55Q and Q235, and the grade choice has a real effect on track life and on fabrication cost.
GB 22 kg rail section dimensions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal weight | 22.3 kg/m |
| Rail height | 93.66 mm |
| Head width | 50.8 mm |
| Base width | 93.66 mm |
| Web thickness | 10.72 mm |
| Standard length | 6 m / 9 m / 12 m (custom lengths on request) |
55Q vs Q235: what the grade names mean
Q235 is a general structural carbon steel defined by GB/T 700. The Q stands for yield strength and 235 is the minimum yield point in MPa, so Q235 guarantees a yield strength of at least 235 MPa and a tensile strength in the range of roughly 370-500 MPa. It is low in carbon, which makes it forgiving to drill, cut, bend and weld.
55Q is a rail-specific grade defined in GB 11264-1989 for light rails. The 55 refers to a nominal carbon content of about 0.55%. The higher carbon content raises hardness, tensile strength and wear resistance well above Q235, but it also makes the steel more sensitive during welding and cold bending, and it costs a little more.
Direct comparison: 55Q vs Q235
| Property | 55Q | Q235 |
|---|---|---|
| Grade family | Medium-carbon rail steel (GB 11264-1989) | Structural carbon steel (GB/T 700) |
| Nominal carbon | About 0.55% | Low carbon (about 0.14-0.22%) |
| Yield strength | Higher than Q235 | ≥235 MPa (guaranteed) |
| Wear resistance | Good; suited to abrasive ore and rock handling | Lower; rail head wears faster under abrasive traffic |
| Weldability | More care needed; preheat and controlled procedure | Easy to weld and repair |
| Drilling and cutting | Harder; tooling wear is higher | Easy, low tooling cost |
| Relative cost | Higher per tonne | Lower per tonne |
| Typical use | Mining tracks, longer-life industrial lines | Temporary tracks, light duty, frequent re-laying |
How to choose between 55Q and Q235 for a mining track
Choose 55Q when the track carries abrasive material, frequent traffic or heavier locomotives and wagons, because the harder rail head slows wear and reduces the number of rail changes. Choose Q235 when the track is temporary, lightly used, or must be cut and welded on site by a small crew with basic equipment. For a permanent mine haulage line, the slightly higher first cost of 55Q is normally paid back by longer rail life; for a stockpile or exploration track that will be moved in a few years, Q235 is the economical choice.
FAQ
Is 22 kg rail the same as GB 22 kg/m rail?
Yes. The nominal mass is about 22.3 kg per metre, so the section is commonly called 22 kg rail. It is one of the standard light rail sections in GB 11264-1989, between 18 kg/m and 24 kg/m.
Can 55Q and Q235 rails be welded to each other?
They can be welded with a suitable procedure, but the difference in carbon content means the 55Q side needs more care, typically preheating and controlled cooling. For a permanent joint, a compromise weld procedure should be qualified before site work.
Does the 22 kg rail section change with the steel grade?
No. The rolled section dimensions are identical for 55Q and Q235; only the steel composition and mechanical properties change. Fasteners, fish plates and drilling templates are the same for both.
Why do mining tracks often use light rail instead of heavy rail?
Because axle loads and speeds underground and on surface mine branches are low. A 22 kg/m rail is easier to handle, bend around curves and re-lay in confined spaces, and it is far cheaper per metre than 38 kg/m or heavier rail.
What fish plates and fasteners fit a 22 kg GB rail?
Joint bars and fastening components are made to match the 22 kg/m section drawing, with bolt holes positioned for that profile. When ordering, specify the rail standard (GB 11264-1989) and the exact section so the joint bars and clips match the rail foot width of 93.66 mm.
Can 22 kg rail be used for crane tracks?
No. Crane tracks need rail sections designed for concentrated wheel loads and lateral impact, such as QU70 to QU120 crane rails. A 22 kg light rail is not stiff or wear-resistant enough for crane duty.
