What are the dimensions of the GB 60KG heavy rail

Standard dimensions of the GB 60 kg/m heavy rail

The GB 60 kg/m rail is a heavy rail section specified by the Chinese national standard GB 2585-2007, with a theoretical mass of approximately 60 kg per meter of length. It is one of the most widely used sections on Chinese mainline railways, high-speed passenger lines and heavy-haul freight corridors.

Under GB 2585-2007 the key sectional dimensions of the 60 kg/m rail are as follows:

Parameter	Value
Rail height	176 mm
Head width	73 mm
Base width	150 mm
Web thickness	16.5 mm
Theoretical mass	60.64 kg/m

How the section is measured

The rail height is measured vertically from the bottom of the base to the crown of the head. The head width is the widest part of the running surface zone that contacts the wheel tread and flange. The base width is the total width of the foot that sits on the sleeper or baseplate, and the web thickness is measured at the narrowest point of the central web. These four values together define the rolling profile used to machine fishplate holes, drill fastener holes and select compatible rail fastening components such as baseplates, clips and screw spikes.

Comparison with other GB heavy rail sections

GB heavy rails are classified by nominal mass per meter. The 60 kg/m section sits between the 50 kg/m and 75 kg/m sections:

Section	Height (mm)	Head (mm)	Base (mm)	Web (mm)	Mass (kg/m)
38 kg/m	134	68	114	13	38.733
43 kg/m	140	70	114	14.5	44.653
45 kg/m	145	67	126	14.5	45.546
50 kg/m	152	70	132	15.5	51.514
60 kg/m	176	73	150	16.5	60.64

International equivalents

For projects outside China the 60 kg/m section is frequently matched with the European EN 13674-1 profiles. EN 13674-1 covers rails of 46 kg/m and above, including the 60E1 and 60E2 sections, while the 27-46 kg/m range is covered by EN 13674-4. Typical grades under EN 13674-1 include R200, R260, R260Mn, R320Cr, R350HT and R370CrHT, whereas the Chinese grade for the 60 kg/m section is normally U71Mn or U75V per GB 2585-2007.

Steel grade and mechanical properties

The GB 60 kg/m rail is usually rolled in U71Mn steel with a tensile strength of at least 880 MPa, or U75V steel with a minimum tensile strength of 980 MPa. Both grades develop a hardness in the range of 240-270 HB, which gives the running surface good wear resistance under repeated wheel contact while keeping the rail weldable by flash butt welding for continuous welded rail.

Typical applications

The 60 kg/m section is used on high-speed passenger lines, mixed-traffic mainlines, heavy-haul freight routes and industrial dedicated tracks. Its wide base and full-depth web spread wheel loads evenly into sleepers and ballast, reducing local stress concentration and extending the service life of the track bed.

FAQ

What is the height of the GB 60 kg/m rail?

The rail height is 176 mm under GB 2585-2007.

What are the head and base widths of the 60 kg/m rail?

The head width is 73 mm and the base width is 150 mm.

What is the actual weight of the GB 60 kg rail?

The theoretical mass is 60.64 kg/m; the nominal designation is 60 kg/m.

Which steel grades are used for the GB 60 kg/m rail?

U71Mn and U75V are the standard grades, with minimum tensile strengths of 880 MPa and 980 MPa respectively.

Can the GB 60 kg/m rail be matched with EN 13674-1 profiles?

Yes. The 60 kg/m section corresponds closely to the EN 13674-1 60E1 and 60E2 profiles, which cover rails of 46 kg/m and above.

What fastening components fit the GB 60 kg/m rail?

Standard elastic fastening systems with baseplates, clips, screw spikes and rubber pads designed for a 150 mm base width are used; component dimensions should be verified against the rail base width.