What is the cross section area of 136RE rail?
Apr 09, 2026
136RE rail (also known as AREMA 136RE rail, 136 lb rail, or 136 pound rail) is a standard heavy rail section widely used in North American railway systems. It features a nominal weight of 136 pounds per yard (≈67.56 kg/m) and is designed for heavy-haul freight and high-speed passenger lines.
Key dimensions include a rail height of about 186 mm, head width of 74.6 mm, and base width of 152 mm, forming a robust 136RE rail profile suitable for demanding track conditions.
136re rail dimensions:
| Profile | Standard | Dimensions mm | Section S | Mass m | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | B | C | D | E | cm² | kg/m | ||
| American standard | ||||||||
| 136RE (TR68) | AREMA | 185,70 | 152,40 | 74,60 | 49,20 | 17,50 | 85,90 | 67,50 |
GNEE RAIL provides a full range of 136RE steel rail solutions with stable dimensional tolerance, consistent mechanical properties, and support for customized rail processing such as drilling and cutting to project requirements.
What is the cross section area of 60kg rail?
The total cross-sectional area of a 136RE (136 lb) rail is 13.32 square inches (approximately 85.94 cmpin).The distribution of steel in the 136RE profile is designed to maximize vertical stiffness while providing enough "sacrificial" metal in the head for long-term wear.
| Part of Rail | Area (sq. in) | Area (cm2) | Percentage of Total |
| Head | 4.92 | 31.74 | 37% |
| Web | 3.39 | 21.87 | 25% |
| Base | 5.01 | 32.33 | 38% |
| Total | 13.32 | 85.94 | 100% |
Comparison to 60kg (UIC 60) Rail
In international trade, you may need to compare the 136RE (North American standard) to the 60kg (European/International standard):
- 136RE Area: 85.94 cm²
- UIC 60 (60E1) Area: 76.70 cm²
This shows that the 136RE rail has about 12% more steel content per meter than the UIC 60 rail, making it significantly more robust for heavy axle loads.
What Materials Are Used for 136RE Steel Rail?
The 136 RE steel rail is typically produced using high-strength carbon steel grades compliant with AREMA standards.
Common materials include:
- AREMA standard carbon steel (e.g., 900A / 1100 grade)
- High wear-resistant pearlitic steel
- Optional heat-treated grades for enhanced hardness
Chemical Composition of AREMA Rail Steel:
| AERMA 2019 | Strength Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Ni | Cr | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | 0.74–0.86 | 0.10–0.60 | 0.75–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.010 | |
| Low Alloy Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–0.50 | 0.80–1.10 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.25–0.40 | ≤0.010 |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–1.00 | 0.70–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.40–0.70 | ≤0.010 | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 0.72–0.82 | 0.10–1.00 | 0.70–1.25 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.15 | 0.40–0.70 | ≤0.010 |
Mechanical Properties of AREMA Rail Steel:
| AREMA 2019 | Strength Grade | Yield Strength N/mm2 |
Tension Strength N/mm2 |
Elongation % |
Brinell Hardness HBW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 511MIN | 983MIN | 10MIN | 310MIN |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 724MIN | 1069MIN | 10MIN | 350MIN | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 828MIN | 1179MIN | 10MIN | 370MIN | |
| Low Alloy Steel | Standard Strength (SS) | 511MIN | 983MIN | 10MIN | 310MIN |
| Intermediate Strength (IS) | 552MIN | 1014MIN | 8MIN | 325MIN | |
| High Strength / Head Hardened (HH) | 828MIN | 1179MIN | 10MIN | 370MIN |
These materials ensure excellent mechanical performance, including:
- High tensile strength
- Superior wear resistance
- Good fatigue life under cyclic loading
This makes AREMA 136RE rail ideal for long-term infrastructure investment with reduced lifecycle costs.
FAQ
1. What is the exact weight of 136RE rail?
The standard 136RE rail weight is 136 pounds per yard, equivalent to approximately 67.56 kg/m.
2. What is the typical length of 136RE rail?
Standard lengths range from 12 m to 25 m, with longer welded rails available depending on project requirements.
3. What fastening systems are compatible with 136RE rail?
It is compatible with AREMA-standard fastening systems, including elastic clips, tie plates, rail pads, and anchors.
4. Can 136RE rails be customized?
Yes, customization such as drilling, cutting, and special coatings can be arranged to meet project specifications.
5. What industries use 136RE heavy rail?
Mainly railway infrastructure, including freight corridors, passenger rail systems, and metro lines.
Whether you are selecting AREMA 136RE rail, comparing different 136RE rail profile options, or evaluating the 136RE rail cross section area for your project, working with an experienced partner like GNEE RAIL helps ensure reliable performance and long-term cost efficiency. With strong technical support and flexible processing capabilities, GNEE RAIL can assist in optimizing rail specifications, machining requirements, and overall rail system configuration based on your actual working conditions.
If you are planning a project or need detailed technical data such as 136RE rail dimensions, tolerances, or processing options, you can contact GNEE RAIL to get a tailored solution and professional recommendations for your application.
