What is a track joint?
Dec 31, 2025
What is a track joint?
A track joint (or rail joint) is a mechanical connection that joins two pieces of railway track together, using fishplates (joint bars) and bolts to hold them end-to-end, allowing for necessary expansion and contraction with temperature changes while maintaining alignment and providing a smooth path for trains, though traditionally considered a weaker point requiring maintenance.
Key Functions & Components:
- Connection: Links two rail sections to create a continuous line.
- Expansion/Contraction: The gap allows rails to expand in heat and contract in cold, preventing buckling or pulling apart.
- Fasteners: Uses fishplates (metal bars) and bolts to secure the rail ends.
- Types: Can be square (opposite joints) or staggered (offset joints), with staggered generally preferred for smoother running. Insulated joints are used for signaling, and welded joints (Continuous Welded Rail) eliminate joints altogether in modern track.
Types of Fish Plates
Several types of fish plates are employed in railway installations to address various needs and rail types. Common variations include standard fish plates, which are used for general applications. Compromise fish plates are designed to join rails of different sizes or profiles and are essential for transitional sections of a track. Insulated fish plates, on the other hand, prevent electrical currents from passing between joined rail ends, playing a pivotal role in track signaling and control systems.
Lastly, the specialized fish plates are used in heavy-duty railways to withstand high loads and extreme conditions, thereby enhancing the longevity and reliability of the rail infrastructure.
Other Types of Rail Joint
| Model | Material | Standard | Unit weight | Surface Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SJ50 rail joint | 50# | 11.59kg/pc | Plain | ||
| SJ43 Rail Joint | 50# | 10.16kg/pc | Plain | ||
| TJ57 Rail Joint | 45# | 17.36kg/pc | Plain | ||
| S30 Rail Joint | 50# | 5.8kg/pc | Plain, or according to the customers' demand | ||
| CR135 Rail Joint (used in CR135 Crane Rail) | 50# | ASTM-43 | Plain, or Hot-dip galvanized |
||
| CR171 Rail Joint (used in CR171 Crane Rail) | 50# | ASTM-43 | 16.0kg/pc | Plain, or Hot-dip galvanized |
|
| S49 Forged Rail Joint |
Q345 | UIC49 | 8.60kg/pc | Sandblasted +oiled | |
| S60 Forged Rail Joint |
Q345 | UIC60 | 14.50kg/pc | Sandblasted +oiled |
Installation of railway fish plates
Railway fish plate installation procedures can be summarized to four steps as follow.
- Before installing railway fish plate, cutting power off.
- Each connection joint install two rail bolts.
- Install spring washer and flat washer before install fish bolt, openings of washer is downward.
- Railway fish plate, railway track and fish bolts should be oiled.
GNEE RAIL can provide you with different rail joints such as GB, AREMA, BS, UIC, AS, African standard, South American standard, and different types such as common rail joint, compromise rail joint, bulge rail joint, insulated rail joint and glued insulated rail joint, etc. Our products have been exported to more than 20 countries and areas and more than 50 types of rail joints of standard and nonstandard are available for global customers.
