When is a Rail Joint required for Light Rail S20?
Apr 23, 2026
When is a Rail Joint required for Light Rail S20?
A rail joint is required for S20 light rail whenever two individual rail sections must be connected to form a continuous track, primarily during initial installation, track extensions, or when replacing damaged sections. Because the S20 rail profile is typically supplied in standard lengths (such as 6, 8, or 10 meters), joints are the mechanical necessity that allow these segments to function as a single, stable infrastructure for gantry cranes and mining transport.
- Segment Connection: In any installation exceeding 10 meters, a rail joint-secured by an S20 rail fishplate-is essential to bridge the gap between sections while maintaining a level running surface.
- Maintenance & Repair: If a specific portion of the S20 light steel rail suffers from surface fatigue or "mushrooming," that section is cut out, and a new segment is joined using fishplates and high-tensile bolts.
- Expansion & Layout Changes: When adding a new branch to a mining loop or extending a factory crane runway, joints provide the flexibility to build out the S20 light rail systems without needing to replace the entire existing track.
- Thermal Regulation: Joints are technically required to provide a small "expansion gap." This allows the S20 Steel Rail to expand and contract during temperature fluctuations without warping or buckling the track.
GNEE RAIL ensures that every DIN 5901 S20 rail is produced with precision-machined ends to facilitate perfect joint alignment. Our manufacturing process focuses on the "fishing space" of the S20 rail cross section, ensuring that the joint bars sit flush against the web and head. By providing a complete system of rails and matching fasteners, we help maintain the S20 rail mechanical properties across the entire track length, preventing the mechanical shocks that can lead to equipment wear and derailments.
What is the standard length of the Light Rail S20?
The standard length for the S20 light rail profile, as defined under the DIN 5901 standard, is typically 12 meters.
While 12 meters is the standard, S20 rail is often manufactured or cut to custom lengths to fit specific industrial track layouts, commonly available in 6m, 8m, and 10m segments.
Key S20 Rail Specifications (DIN 5901):
- Standard Length: 12 meters (often available in 6–12m ranges)
- Weight: 19.8 kg/m
- Profile Height: 100 mm
- Base Width: 82 mm
- Head Width: 44 mm
| Size
* |
Rail height(mm)
A |
Bottom Width(mm)
B |
Head Width(mm)
C |
Web Thickness(mm)
t |
Weight(kg/m)
* |
| S10 | 70 | 58 | 32 | 6 | 10 |
| S14 | 80 | 70 | 38 | 9 | 14 |
| S18 | 93 | 82 | 43 | 10 | 18.3 |
| S20 | 100 | 82 | 44 | 10 | 19.8 |
| S24 | 115 | 90 | 53 | 10 | 24.4 |
| S30 | 108 | 108 | 60.3 | 12.3 | 30.03 |
What is the function of railroad joints in S20 light steel rails?
Railroad joints (also known as fishplates or joint bars) for S20 light steel rails serve as essential connecting components that secure rail ends, maintain track alignment, and ensure the structural integrity of light-duty industrial, mining, and factory rail systems. They are critical for creating a continuous path while managing the physical forces acting on the track.
Key Functions of Rail Joints in S20 Tracks:
- Secure Rail Connection: They physically join two S20 rail segments together using fish bolts (typically 4 or 6) to form a unified track, ensuring continuity and stability.
- Load Distribution: Joints distribute the dynamic loads from wheel impacts across the rail ends, reducing stress concentrations and preventing premature wear, deformation, or breaking of the rail ends.
- Thermal Expansion Management: They facilitate expansion and contraction, allowing for a small gap (expansion joint) that prevents rail buckling during hot weather and shearing of bolts in cold weather.
- Alignment Maintenance: They ensure the two rails are held at the same level and in a straight line, which is crucial for the safe, smooth operation of light trains, trolleys, and crane systems.
- Vibration Damping: Quality rail joints offer elasticity, helping to absorb vibrations and shocks from moving vehicles.
- Ease of Maintenance: Unlike welded joints, bolted fishplate joints allow for easy disassembly, making track maintenance, adjustments, or replacement of damaged sections faster in factory or temporary scenarios.
FAQ
- How many bolts are needed for an S20 rail joint?
A standard S20 rail fishplate usually requires 4 high-tensile bolts (two per rail end) to ensure the joint remains secure under the vibrations of traveling machinery.
- What is the standard gap between two S20 rails at a joint?
For indoor applications, the gap is typically 2 mm to 4 mm. This is indicated in the S20 rail drawing to allow for minor thermal expansion without causing the rail ends to crush against each other.
- Can I use a different fishplate if I can't find an S20 model?
No. The S20 rail cross section is unique. Using a non-standard fishplate will result in poor fitment, which compromises the S20 rail load capacity and increases the risk of track failure.
- Does a joint affect the S20 rail weight per meter?
The joint components (fishplates and bolts) add weight to the system, but the S20 steel rail weight itself remains 19.80 kg/m. Total project tonnage should account for these accessories separately.
- How often should rail joints be inspected?
In high-frequency S20 light rail systems, joints should be inspected monthly for bolt tightness and any signs of wear or "dipping" at the rail ends.
GNEE RAIL provides a full range of steel rails from light tracks to heavy infrastructure, ensuring a precise match for any industrial requirement. We offer professional customization services, including precision cutting and custom hole drilling to match your specific S20 rail drawing and joint layouts. Our supply chain includes all necessary matched fasteners and joint bars, and we leverage extensive global logistics experience to ensure that every order of DIN 5901 S20 rail arrives securely and on time at its destination.
