Railway Fish Plate Weight
Jan 28, 2026
A rail fish plate is a mechanical alignment and reinforcement component that ensures rail ends remain fixed in correct relative position under dynamic axle loads and thermal expansion effects. Its geometry is precisely matched to rail profiles to guarantee full contact and effective load sharing. GNEE RAIL delivers fish plates engineered to fit various rail standards and provides matched rail sections, fastening accessories, and customized production for special projects.
Why use a rail joint? Is the use of rail fish plates mandatory in railways?
Rail joints (or fish plates) are essential metal connectors bolted between rail ends to maintain structural continuity, alignment, and gauge, preventing rail ends from separating. They provide stability, reduce vertical/lateral deflection, and allow for thermal expansion. Fish plates are mandatory in bolted tracks to ensure safety, though they are not used in continuous welded rails.
Why Use a Rail Joint?
- Structural Integrity: They connect two rail ends, enabling them to act as a continuous, stable track.
- Safety: They keep rails in proper alignment (both horizontal and vertical), preventing derailments and damage to rolling stock.
- Load Distribution: They help distribute the heavy weight of trains across the joints.
- Expansion/Contraction: They allow for small, controlled gaps that permit the rail to expand or contract due to temperature changes, reducing buckling risks.
- Signaling: Insulated fish plates are crucial for separating track circuits in automated signaling systems.
Are Rail Fish Plates Mandatory?
- In Bolted Track: Yes, they are mandatory for connecting rail sections, maintaining gauge, and ensuring a safe, smooth journey.
- In Continuous Welded Rails (CWR): No, fish plates are generally not used for joining rails in modern high-speed or heavy-haul lines, as the rails are welded together to eliminate joints.
- Exception: Even in welded tracks, specialized insulated fish plates are used at specific, limited locations for signaling purposes.
Railway Fish Plate Weight
Railway fish plate weights vary based on the rail type and application, ranging from approximately 8 kg to over 60 kg per unit for heavy-duty tracks. Common heavy rail fish plates (50 kg–60 kg) typically weigh between 14 kg and 25 kg per plate, while lighter rail (8 kg–30 kg) uses smaller, lighter plates.
Common Fish Plate Weights by Rail Type
- Light Rail (8–30 kg): Suitable for 8kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 22kg, 24kg, and 30kg rails.
- Heavy Rail (38–60 kg): Includes 38kg, 43kg, 50kg, and 60kg variants.
- Crane Rail (QU70–QU120): Specialized for heavy lifting, including QU70, QU80, QU100, and QU120.
Specific Weight Examples
- 52 kg Fish Plate: Approximately 52 kg (114.6 lbs) for the pair, with standard lengths of 300 mm to 600 mm.
- 60 kg Fish Plate: Generally 60 kg per pair, designed for high-load, heavy-duty rail lines.
| GB15KG | 15.2 | YB226-63 | Q235,45# |
| GB18KG | 18.06 | YB225-63 | |
| GB22KG | 22.3 | YB14-63 | |
| GB24KG | 24.46 | ||
| GB30KG | 30.1 | YB351-63 | |
| GB38KG | 38.733 | TB/T 2345-2008 | 45#,55# |
| GB43KG | 44.653 | ||
| GB50KG | 51.514 |
- UIC60 (4-hole): Approximately 17.47 kg to 18.1 kg per plate.
- UIC54 (4-hole): Approximately 14.34 kg per plate.
| Fishplate for UIC Standard Steel Rail | |||
| Steel Rail Type | Steel Rail Weight (KG/M) | Fishplate Standard | Fishplate Material |
| UIC54 | 54.43 | UIC | 45#,55# |
| UIC60 | 60.34 | ||
- 115RE/132-136RE: Ranging from 17 kg to over 25 kg depending on 4-hole or 6-hole configuration.
| 100RE(TR50) | 50.35 | AREMA 2007 | 45#,55#, AREMA Grade Steel |
| 115RE | 56.9 | ||
| 115-119RE | |||
| 132RE | 65.31 | ||
| 133RE | 66.1 | ||
| 136RE | 67.41 | ||
| 132-136RE | |||
- Joggled Fish Plates: Specialized, smaller plates often weighing 650–800 grams for specific maintenance needs.
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.
