GB 22kg Rail Specifications
Jan 15, 2026
GB 22kg Rail at a Glance
GB 22kg rail is a light-duty flat-bottom steel rail manufactured to the Chinese standard GB/T 11264-2012 (light rails). The designation 22kg refers to the nominal mass of approximately 22 kg per meter; the actual theoretical weight of the standard section is 22.3 kg/m. It is engineered for low-to-medium axle loads and is one of the most commonly specified light rail sections for industrial railways, mining tracks, port auxiliary lines and temporary construction tracks.
Section Dimensions
The GB 22kg rail profile is an asymmetric I-section with a wide flat base, designed to rest directly on sleepers or base plates. The governing dimensions are:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard | GB/T 11264-2012 |
| 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 - 10 m |
| Steel grade | Q235 / 55Q |
Because the base width and rail height differ from rails of other national standards (for example, JIS 22 kg rails), GB 22kg rail should be matched with fishplates, base plates and clips designed for the GB/T 11264 profile.
Steel Grades: Q235 and 55Q
GB 22kg rails are normally supplied in two steel grades:
Q235 - a low-carbon structural steel with good formability and weldability, suitable for light traffic, yard tracks and temporary lines where cost is the main concern.
55Q - a medium-carbon rail steel with higher tensile strength (minimum 685 MPa) and better wear resistance, recommended for regular industrial traffic, mining transport and curved sections.
For tracks carrying frequent loads or abrasive materials, 55Q is the preferred choice; Q235 is adequate for low-speed, low-tonnage applications.
Typical Applications
GB 22kg rail is widely used on small industrial railways and factory sidings, underground and open-pit mining tracks, port and warehouse yards, temporary construction lines, and light rail systems with modest axle loads. Its light weight simplifies handling and installation, and it can be fastened to timber sleepers with dog spikes or to concrete and steel sleepers with base plates and elastic fastenings.
Fastening and Accessories
The rail can be joined with fishplates and fish bolts at rail ends, and secured with rail clips, spikes or sleeper screws depending on the sleeper type. When ordering, specify the rail length, steel grade, surface condition (plain, oiled or painted) and the hole pattern required for fishplate joints, so that the accessories match the section geometry.
FAQ
What does 22kg rail mean?
The 22kg designation refers to the nominal mass of the rail section: approximately 22 kilograms per meter. The theoretical weight of the GB standard section is 22.3 kg/m, which is the value used for ordering and freight calculation.
Which standard covers GB 22kg rail?
GB 22kg rail is produced to GB/T 11264-2012, the current Chinese standard for light rails covering sections from 8 kg/m up to 30 kg/m. The earlier 1989 edition of this standard has been superseded.
What is the difference between Q235 and 55Q rail steel?
Q235 is a low-carbon structural steel with a minimum tensile strength of about 375 MPa; 55Q is a medium-carbon rail steel with a minimum tensile strength of 685 MPa and higher hardness. For regular traffic and abrasive conditions, 55Q gives a noticeably longer service life.
What lengths are available for GB 22kg rail?
Standard lengths range from 6 m to 10 m. Longer pieces reduce the number of joints on site, while shorter pieces are easier to transport into confined areas such as mine galleries.
Can GB 22kg rail be used together with JIS 22kg components?
No. Although both sections are close to 22 kg/m, the base width, head width and fishplate drilling patterns differ, so JIS fishplates and base plates are not directly interchangeable with GB 22kg components.
How is GB 22kg rail fastened to sleepers?
On timber sleepers, dog spikes or screw spikes are commonly used; on concrete or steel sleepers, the rail is seated on a base plate and held by elastic rail clips. The fastening system should be selected to match the 93.66 mm base width.
