What is Rail Joints

What a rail joint is

Rail joints, also known as railway fishplates, splice bars, joint bars or angle bars, are metal bars that connect the ends of two rail sections together with rail bolts. The joint restores the continuity of the rail at every place where a rail end must exist - at the ends of mill lengths, at insulated joints, at turnouts and on cranes tracks - and it carries the wheel load across the gap that separates the two rail ends.

How fishplates work

Two fishplates are clamped to the web of the rail, one on each side, and pulled tight with bolts. The assembly forms a rigid connection that increases the continuity and steadiness of the track when a train passes, by largely reducing the impact of the wheels at the jointing section. In doing so the fishplate protects the rail ends from batter, keeps the rails in alignment, and contributes directly to the safety of rail transportation.

Standards and typical configurations

Materials

Fishplates are made from carbon steel, typically grades in the C45 (45#) chemistry range, with compositions such as carbon 0.42-0.50%, manganese 0.50-0.80%, silicon 0.17-0.37%, chromium up to 0.25%, and phosphorus and sulphur each up to 0.035%. Heavier sections use higher-carbon chemistry (for example carbon 0.62-0.70%) for greater strength. The material is selected so the fishplate matches the strength of the rail it joins, and surface treatments such as oiling, galvanizing or painting protect it in service.

Hole patterns and customisation

Both four-hole and six-hole configurations are available, in lengths such as 24 inch and 36 inch for AREMA profiles, with round or oval holes. Fishplates can be supplied semi-finished without holes for site drilling, or fully finished with holes. Custom sizes are manufactured from customer drawings using rolling, forging, machining and drilling and punching lines, so unusual rail sections and special joint designs can be covered.

Manufacturing experience

Fishplates are manufactured to almost all international standards and exported to markets in South America, Europe and Southeast Asia as well as domestic Chinese projects. Fishplates can be supplied for UIC60, UIC54, U33, BS80A, BS90A, IRS 52 kg, IRS 90 lb, 115RE, 136RE, TJ45, TJ37, RN45 and other sections, and supply follows BS, ASTM, DIN, UIC, AREMA and other international standards.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a fishplate and a splice bar?

There is no difference: fishplate, splice bar, joint bar and angle bar are all names for the same component - the metal bar bolted to both sides of the rail web at a joint.

How many holes does a fishplate have?

Four-hole and six-hole patterns are standard. The choice depends on the rail weight, joint length and the standard applied; six-hole plates give more restraint on heavier rails.

What steel is used for fishplates?

Carbon steel in the C45 (45#) range is typical, with higher-carbon grades for heavy sections. The exact chemistry is matched to the rail grade and the required joint strength.

Can fishplates be supplied without holes?

Yes. Semi-finished fishplates without holes are available for drilling on site, which is useful when the joint configuration is not standard.

Which rail sections are covered?

The range covers light, heavy and crane rails in UIC, AREMA, BS, AS, IRS and Chinese sections, including UIC60, UIC54, 115RE, 136RE, BS90A, 50kg and QU series crane rails.

Do fishplates need surface protection?

Yes. Oiling, galvanizing or painting protects the plate from corrosion; the choice follows the service environment and the customer specification.