What are the different types of steel rail?
Jan 15, 2026
Rail track is an essential component of rail track, and its function is to guide the train wheels moving forward by withstanding the enormous pressure pushed by the wheels. Steel rail shall provide smooth, stable and continuous rolling surface for the passing train wheels. In electrical railway or automatic block section, railway track can also be used as track circuit.
What are the different types of steel rail?
Steel rails are the backbone of railway track systems, guiding train wheels and supporting heavy loads. They are classified based on weight, profile, and application.
How Are Steel Rails Classified by Weight?
Rails are often categorized by kilograms per meter, which reflects the rail's strength and durability. Heavier rails are used for high-speed trains and freight, while lighter rails are suitable for trams or industrial lines.
| Rail Type | Standard Examples | Weight (kg/m) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Rail | GB22KG, JIS22KG, AS31KG | 8–30 | Urban transit, trams, and light freight lines |
| Heavy Rail | GB60KG, UIC60, BS80A | 50–75 | Mainline passenger and heavy freight |
| Crane Rail | QU70, QU100, QU120 | 52–118 | Industrial cranes, ports, steel mills |
| Specialized Rails | Grooved rail 59R1/60R2 | 59–60 | Street-running light rail, embedded tracks |
What Are Rails Classified by Application?
- Mainline / Heavy Rail: Designed for high-speed and heavy-load lines. Materials are high-strength steels like U71Mn, R260, R350H.
- Urban / Light Rail: For tramways or metro lines. Lightweight steels like Q235, 55Q are used for flexibility and cost efficiency.
- Crane / Industrial Rail: Optimized for impact resistance, lateral load, and wear, typically in steel or aluminum plants, ports, and warehouses.
| Application | Rail Standards | Common Steel Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed / Mainline | UIC60, BS90A, EN13674 | U71Mn, R260 | Supports speeds up to 350 km/h |
| Urban Transit / Tram | JIS22KG, AS31KG, GB22KG | Q235, 55Q | Lighter profile for tight curves |
| Crane / Industrial | QU70–QU120 | U71Mn | Designed for high wheel load and impact |
How Are Rails Differentiated by Profile?
Rails also vary by cross-section, which affects load distribution and wear:
- Flat-bottom rail: Most common for modern railways; stable and easy to fasten.
- Bullhead rail: Older style, mostly replaced; head and foot nearly symmetrical.
- Grooved rail: Embedded in street or concrete for tramways; allows smooth vehicle crossing.
Steel Rails-Hot Standards from GNEE RAIL
| Profile Type | Use Case | Example Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-bottom | Mainline and industrial | UIC60, BS80A, GB60kg |
| Bullhead | Heritage lines, older tracks | BS11 older versions |
| Grooved | Street tramways | 59R1, 60R2 |
| Standard | Sepc. | Material Typical Grade |
| UIC860 | UIC54 | 700,900A,900B |
| UIC60 | ||
| EN13674.1 | 5.00E+02 | R200,R350HT,R260Mn,R35LHT,R320Cr,R370CrHT |
| 5.40E+02 | ||
| 6.00E+02 | ||
| 6.00E+03 | ||
| BS-11-1985 | BS80A | 700,900A,900B |
| BS90A | ||
| BS100A | ||
| AREMA | 115RE | SS,HH,LA,IH |
| 136RE | ||
| ASCE60 | U71Mn | |
| ASCE85 | U71Mn | |
| GB 2585-2007 | 50kg/m | U71Mn |
| 60kg/m | U75V | |
| 75kg/m | ||
| TB/T2344-2012 | 50kg/m | U71Mn,U75V,U77MnCr |
| 60kg/m | U78CrV | |
| 75kg/m | ||
| GB 11264-1989 | 8kg/m | Q235 |
| 12kg/m | Q235 | |
| 15kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 18kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 22kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 24kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 30kg/m | 55Q, Q235 | |
| 38kg/m | 50Mn, U71Mn | |
| 43kg/m | 50Mn, U71Mn | |
| GB Crane rails | QU70 | U71Mn |
| QU80 | U71Mn | |
| QU100 | U71Mn | |
| QU120 | U71Mn |
