What is the standard S20 rail cross section?

What is the standard S20 rail cross section?

 

The standard S20 rail cross section is a specialized T-shaped profile defined by the DIN 5901 standard, featuring a height of 100 mm, a base width of 82 mm, and a head width of 30 mm. This specific geometry is engineered to provide a low-center-of-gravity track system that balances vertical load distribution with lateral stability for light industrial applications.

 

 

• Vertical Rigidity: The 100 mm height of the S20 rail profile ensures a high moment of inertia, allowing the rail to resist bending even when supported by widely spaced sleepers.

 

• Lateral Stability: A wide 82 mm base prevents the rail from "rolling" or tilting under the side-thrust forces commonly generated by traveling gantry cranes.

 

• Optimized Running Surface: The 30 mm S20 rail head width provides a precise, narrow contact area that reduces friction for light-duty wheels while maintaining enough surface area to support the rated S20 rail load capacity.

 

• Web Efficiency: The 7 mm thick central web connects the head and base, providing the necessary shear strength to maintain the S20 rail cross section integrity without adding unnecessary S20 steel rail weight.

 

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

 

Is the S20 Rail Profile Suitable for Curved Tracks?

 

The relatively slender S20 rail cross section, specifically the 7 mm web thickness, allows the rail to be bent to accommodate curved paths in mining tunnels or specialized factory loops.

 

 

While it is strong enough to handle the S20 rail load capacity, it remains flexible enough for professional bending equipment to shape without distorting the 30 mm S20 rail head width. This versatility makes it the preferred choice for Light Rail S20 systems that must navigate complex industrial layouts.

Maintaining the S20 rail mechanical properties during the bending process is critical. If the S20 rail dimensions are altered during cold-bending, it could compromise the fitment of the S20 rail fishplate at the joints.

 

What are the performance characteristics of DIN S20 Light Rail?

 

DIN S20 light rail is a medium-weight industrial rail profile, specifically defined under the DIN 5901 standard with a nominal weight of 19.8 kg/m. It is frequently used for internal factory transportation, crane tracks, and narrow-gauge mining railways due to its balanced strength and durability.

 

Key Performance Characteristics

 

 

• Load-Bearing Capacity: S20 rails are designed for light-to-medium loads, often supporting axle loads of up to 16–18 tonnes in industrial settings.

 

• Dimensions & Geometry: The profile has a standard height of 100 mm, a base width of 82 mm, and a head width of 44 mm. The web thickness is approximately 10 mm.

 

• Material Strength: The rails are typically manufactured from high-strength carbon steel grades, including Q235B (good weldability) or 55Q/R200 (higher hardness and wear resistance).

 

 

Q235B	Mechanical property						Chemical composition(%)
	Yield strength		Tensile strength		Elongation	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	S	P
	MPa	kg/mm²	MPa	kg/mm²	min	HB		≤		≤	≤
	≥	≥
	235	24	375-460	38-47	26%		0.12-0.22	0.35	0.30-0.70	0.045	0.045

 

55Q	Mechanical property						Chemical composition(%)
	Yield strength		Tensile strength		Elongation	Hardness	C	Si	Mn	S	P
	MPa	kg/mm²	MPa	kg/mm²	min	HBW				≤	≤
	≥	≥	≥	≥		≥
			685	69		197	0.50-0.60	0.15-0.35	0.60-0.90	0.04	0.04

 

• Tensile Strength & Hardness: The steel provides excellent wear resistance, often featuring tensile strength around 700–900 MPa and Brinell hardness between 260–320 HB for the rail head.

 

• Flexibility & Stability: While light, the S20 profile is robust, providing stability against lateral movement while being versatile enough for tighter curve radii compared to heavier rail profiles.

 

• Wear Resistance: The S20 rail offers superior durability under frequent trolley or crane traffic compared to lighter options like S10 or S14.

 

FAQ

 

• What is the exact height of an S20 rail?

The standard S20 rail dimensions specify a total height of exactly 100.00 mm, which provides the vertical stiffness required for light-duty crane and trolley systems.

 

• Can I use any fishplate for an S20 rail?

No, you must use a specific S20 rail fishplate that matches the unique S20 rail profile defined by the DIN 5901 standard to ensure a safe and level joint connection.

 

• Why is the base wider than the head?

In the S20 rail cross section, the 82 mm base is significantly wider than the 30 mm head to provide stability and prevent the rail from tipping over under the lateral forces generated by moving machinery.

 

• How does the weight per meter affect the cross section?

The S20 rail weight per meter of 19.80 kg is determined by the total volume of the steel in the cross section. It is a key metric for determining the S20 rail load capacity and structural requirements.

 

• What material grade is used for the S20 cross section?

The S20 rail material grade is typically 55Q or Q235B steel, chosen for its ability to maintain the RAIL S20 MATERIAL STRENGTH and geometric tolerances during high-frequency industrial use.

 

GNEE RAIL provides a full range of steel rails from light profiles to heavy-duty infrastructure, ensuring a perfect fit for any industrial track project. We offer expert customization services, including precision cutting to specific lengths and custom hole drilling to match your unique S20 rail drawing layouts. Our company supplies a complete suite of matched fasteners and joint bars, and we utilize decades of global logistics experience to ensure that your S20 steel rail weight orders are delivered securely and on schedule to any destination.

 

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