TB/T 2344 60kg/m Railway Rail: Specifications, Steel Grades and Applications
Sep 22, 2025
The 60kg/m rail profile
The 60kg/m rail, also described as 60kg steel rail or 60kg heavy rail, is one of the heavyweight profiles of modern track construction. It is a hot-rolled flat-bottom rail consisting of a rail head, a rail waist (web) and a rail bottom (base), rolled in one piece. The profile is governed in China by the TB/T 2344 series for steel rails, which is the current successor of the earlier TB/T 2344-2012 edition, and it is dimensionally compatible with the 60kg/m section defined in the GB railway rail series.
The 60kg/m rail requires adequate strength and toughness in combination: the head must resist wear and contact stress, the web must carry vertical shear, and the base must spread the load to the fastening system. Its dimensions of 176 mm height, 150 mm base width, 73 mm head width and 16.5 mm web thickness place it in the same load-carrying class as other international heavy rails, though it is a distinct profile from the UIC60 section and must be fastened with components matched to its 150 mm base.
Standard parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 60kg/m (60kg heavy rail) |
| Theoretical weight | 60.64 kg/m |
| Material | U71Mn / U75V |
| Length | 12 m - 25 m |
| Rail height | 176 mm |
| Bottom width | 150 mm |
| Head width | 73 mm |
| Web thickness | 16.5 mm |
The rail is produced in plain carbon or micro-alloyed grades. U71Mn is the standard grade for general mainline and freight service, while U75V offers higher strength for heavy-haul and high-speed corridors. Head-hardened rails can be supplied for curved track and high-wear locations. Supplied lengths typically run from 12 m to 25 m, with cutting, drilling and end finishing available for project-specific needs.
Applications
The 60kg/m rail is a multi-purpose heavy rail. It is used on main lines and trunk freight corridors, light freight and mining railway networks, and in industrial installations such as crane runways, conveyor tripper tracks, slipways and workshop pads. On electrified networks it doubles as the track circuit conductor. Because it is a standardised profile, it can be combined with matching fishplates, fish bolts, elastic rail clips, rail pads and tie plates into a complete track system, which simplifies both procurement and field installation.
Comparison with the wider heavy rail range
| Heavy rail type | Rail height (mm) | Bottom width (mm) | Head width (mm) | Web thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38kg | 134 | 114 | 68 | 13 | 38.733 |
| 43kg | 140 | 114 | 70 | 14.5 | 44.653 |
| 50kg | 152 | 132 | 70 | 15.5 | 51.514 |
| 60kg | 176 | 150 | 73 | 16.5 | 60.64 |
| 75kg | 192 | 150 | 75 | 20 | 74.64 |
Within this range the 60kg/m rail is the most widely specified heavy section for mainline modernisation programmes, balancing load capacity against steel cost. Where axle loads and traffic densities are moderate, 50kg/m rail is often retained; where very high tonnage must be moved, 75kg/m rail is selected.
Quality and documentation
Rails are delivered with mill test certificates covering chemical composition, tensile strength, elongation and hardness, and dimensional inspection against the tolerance requirements of the standard. Straightness, section geometry and surface quality are verified before shipment, and the rail can be bundled for container or break-bulk transport. For projects that require traceability, each heat of steel is documented so that the buyer can audit the product history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What standard governs the 60kg/m rail?
The rail is governed by the TB/T 2344 series for steel rails (the current edition of which is TB/T 2344.1-2020 for 43-75 kg/m rails, superseding TB/T 2344-2012), and it is compatible with the 60kg/m section in the GB railway rail series.
What are the exact dimensions of 60kg rail?
The standard profile has a rail height of 176 mm, a base width of 150 mm, a head width of 73 mm and a web thickness of 16.5 mm, with a theoretical weight of 60.64 kg/m.
What steel grades are available?
U71Mn is the standard grade for general service; U75V provides higher strength for heavy-haul and high-speed lines. Head-hardened versions can be specified for curves and high-wear locations.
What lengths can be supplied?
Standard lengths range from 12 m to 25 m. Shorter lengths are produced by cutting, and drilling and end finishing can be done to the project drawing.
Is 60kg rail the same as UIC60?
No. Both are heavy rails of similar load class, but the 60kg/m Chinese profile differs from UIC60 in section geometry and base width. Fastening systems must be matched to the actual profile in use.
Can 60kg rail be used for crane runways?
Yes. The section is suitable for heavy crane runways, conveyor tripper tracks, slipways and workshop pads, in addition to mainline and freight railway service.
