What are the specifications of JIS Standard Rail?
Jan 21, 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 specifications of JIS Standard Rail?
JIS Standard Rails, governed by JIS E1101/E1103, are classified by weight (e.g., 12kg, 30A, 37A, 50N, 60kg) and feature I-beam profiles with specific dimensions (height, base width, head width, web thickness) and materials (like Q235B, 55Q, U71Mn) for various industrial applications, offering strong bending/torsional strength, high wear resistance, and compatibility with specific accessories.

| Standard: JIS E 1103/1101 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Dimension(mm) | Weight (kg/m) |
Length(m) | |||
| Head | Height | Bottom | Thickness | |||
| JIS 15KG | 42.86 | 79.37 | 79.37 | 8.33 | 15.2 | 9-10 |
| JIS 22KG | 50.8 | 93.66 | 93.66 | 10.72 | 22.3 | 9-10 |
| JIS 30A | 60.33 | 107.95 | 107.95 | 12.3 | 30.1 | 9-10 |
| JIS 37A | 62.71 | 122.24 | 122.24 | 13.49 | 37.2 | 10-25 |
| JIS 50N | 65 | 153 | 127 | 15 | 50.4 | 10-25 |
| CR 73 | 100 | 135 | 140 | 32 | 73.3 | 10-12 |
| CR 100 | 120 | 150 | 155 | 39 | 100.2 | 10-12 |
Are JIS Standard Rail and GB Steel Rail interchangeable?
JIS and GB steel rails are often dimensionally similar and can be interchangeable for light use like mining, especially common weights like 22kg, but interchangeability isn't guaranteed and requires verification, as standards differ in chemical composition, material grades (e.g., Q235B vs. JIS E 1101), and bolt hole specifics, necessitating correct fishplates for critical applications. Always check the specific rail dimensions (height, flange width) and material grade against the project's requirements before mixing standards.
Key Differences & Considerations:

- Standards: JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) and GB (Guobiao, China) are distinct standards, similar to ASTM (US) or UIC (Europe).
- Material Grades: Even with similar strength, grades aren't identical (e.g., JIS E1101 vs. GB/T 11264 for 22kg rails).
- Dimensional Tolerance: While often close for common weights, minor differences in bolt hole spacing or profile can exist.
- Application: Interchangeable for temporary maintenance or less critical systems (mines, light factory tracks).
- Critical Applications: For main lines or heavy-duty use, strict adherence to one standard or careful technical confirmation is crucial.
GB Standard Steel Rail
| Classification | Height(mm) | Head (mm) | Bottom (mm) | Thick(mm) | Weight (kg/m) | |
| Light Rail | 8 KG/M | 65 | 25 | 54 | 7 | 8.42 |
| 9 KG/M | 63.5 | 32.1 | 63.5 | 5.9 | 8.94 | |
| 12 KG/M | 69.85 | 38.1 | 69.85 | 7.54 | 12.2 | |
| 15 KG/M | 79.37 | 42.86 | 79.37 | 8.33 | 15.2 | |
| 18 KG/M | 80 | 40 | 80 | 10 | 18.06 | |
| 22 KG/M | 93.66 | 50.8 | 93.66 | 10.72 | 22.3 | |
| 24 KG/M | 107 | 51 | 90 | 10.9 | 24.46 | |
| 30 KG/M | 107.95 | 60.33 | 107.95 | 12.3 | 30.1 | |
| Heavy Rail | 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 | |
| Crane Rail | QU 70 | 120 | 70 | 120 | 28 | 52.8 |
| QU 80 | 130 | 80 | 130 | 32 | 63.69 | |
| QU 100 | 150 | 100 | 150 | 38 | 88.96 | |
| QU 120 | 170 | 120 | 170 | 44 | 118.1 | |
What is the function of steel rail?
The primary function of steel rails is to provide a smooth, continuous, low-resistance surface to guide train wheels, bear immense pressure, and transfer loads to the sleepers, ensuring safe and efficient train movement. Rails also act as electrical conductors for signaling (track circuits) in electrified or automated systems, detecting train presence and location for safe operations.
Key Functions:
- Guidance: Steer the wheels, preventing them from deviating, ensuring directional control.
- Load Bearing & Transfer: Support the enormous vertical and lateral forces from trains and transmit them to the sleepers (ties) for even distribution.

- Smooth Rolling Surface: Offer a continuous, even path with minimal resistance for wheels, reducing friction and wear.
- Track Circuit Conductor: In electrified railways, rails carry electrical signals to detect train presence for signaling and safety systems.
Since 2008, GNEE RAIL has been supplying steel rails of different grades for more than 18 years, steel rails from GNEE is highly recommened in China and abroad.Wtih cutting edge equipment, GNEE produces high quality steel rails that meet with requirements of most countries. Standard rail, head hardened rail, heavy rail,light rail,crane rail and other types are all available here, as one of the China main rail supplier, GNEE RAIL has been working on supplying economical green railway products all over the world.







