What is the exact S20 rail weight per meter?

Apr 23, 2026

What is the exact S20 rail weight per meter?

 

The exact weight of an S20 rail is 19.80 kg per meter, according to the DIN 5901 standard. While it is frequently categorized as a 20 kg/m rail in commercial and project documentation for simplicity, the precision weight of 19.80 kg/m is the standard value used for accurate structural calculations and maritime logistics.

 

Impact of Weight on Rail Load Capacity and Stability

 

The S20 rail load capacity is intrinsically linked to its linear weight. While it is a light rail, the 19.80 kg/m mass provides enough substance to absorb dynamic vibrations and impact forces common in industrial environments. Using a rail that is too light for the application can lead to rapid surface fatigue; however, the S20 Steel Rail strikes the ideal balance for light-duty transport, maintaining its S20 rail mechanical properties over thousands of cycles.

 

s20 light rail

 

In S20 light rail systems, the weight of the rail also plays a role in maintaining gauge stability. When combined with a standard S20 rail fishplate, the mass of the connected sections creates a stable track ribbon that resists thermal expansion stresses.

 

What are the detailed dimensions of DIN 5901 S20 RAIL?

 

The DIN 5901 S20 rail is a German standard light-duty steel rail designed for industrial tracks, mining, and cranes. It features a weight of 19.8 kg/m, a height of 100 mm, a base width of 82 mm, a head width of 44 mm, and a web thickness of 10 mm. Common materials include Q235B or 55Q steel, with lengths typically available in 6m to 12m.

 

Detailed Dimensions of S20 Rail (DIN 5901)

 

  • Height: 100 mm
  • Base Width: 82 mm
  • Head Width: 44 mm
  • Web Thickness: 10 mm
  • Weight: 19.8 kg/m
  • Standard: DIN 5901:1955-11

 

S20 rail drawing

 

Size

*

Rail height(mm)

A

Bottom Width(mm)

B

Head Width(mm)

C

Web Thickness(mm)

t

Weight(kg/m)

*

S10 70 58 32 6 10
S14 80 70 38 9 14
S18 93 82 43 10 18.3
S20 100 82 44 10 19.8
S24 115 90 53 10 24.4
S30 108 108 60.3 12.3 30.03

 

Is S20 rail strong enough for a 10-ton crane?

 

S20 rail (DIN 5901) is generally too light for a standard 10-ton crane operating under normal, continuous industrial conditions.
While S20 rail can be used for light overhead or gantry crane rails, it is designed for moderate loads and typically has a weight of roughly 19.8 kg per meter. For a 10-ton (10,000 kg) lifting capacity, which involves significant vertical wheel loads and impact factors, a heavier rail section is generally required for safety and structural longevity.


Here are the key considerations:

 

 

  • Capacity Recommendations: For loads around 10 tons, GNEE RAIL recommends stronger rails (e.g., 22kg rail or higher) to handle the fatigue and stress.

 

  • S20 Use Case: S20 rails are best suited for smaller overhead cranes, trolleys, light gantry cranes (under 5 tons), or in manufacturing facilities with low-frequency usage.

 

  • Alternative Options: For 10-ton cranes, standard crane rails such as A45, A55, or higher-strength P-series rails (P38/P43) are more appropriate options to avoid premature wear or rail failure.

 

FAQ

 

  • Is S20 rail exactly 20kg per meter?


No, the exact weight is 19.80 kg/m per the DIN 5901 standard. It is often rounded to 20 kg/m rail specifications for general trade discussions, but 19.80 kg/m must be used for engineering calculations.

 

  • Does the weight change if the material grade is different?


The weight remains consistent at 19.80 kg/m because the S20 rail dimensions are fixed by the standard. While the S20 rail material grade (like 55Q or Q235B) affects strength and hardness, the volume and density of the steel remain largely the same.

 

  • What is the tolerance for S20 rail weight per meter?


Standard manufacturing tolerances for S20 rail specifications allow for a variance of approximately ±2% to ±5%.

 

  • How does the weight affect the S20 rail load capacity?


The weight is an indicator of the steel volume available to support loads. With 19.80 kg/m, the S20 rail profile can support axle loads of up to 3.5 tons depending on the support spacing and the S20 rail mechanical properties.

 

GNEE RAIL offers a complete range of steel rails from light to heavy duty, providing a one-stop solution for industrial track needs. We provide professional customization services, including precision cutting to specific lengths and custom hole drilling to match your S20 rail drawing requirements. Our team leverages extensive global shipping experience to manage the transport of heavy steel products, ensuring that all rails and matching fasteners reach their destination securely and on time.

 

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