What is the height of the 136 rail?

The 136 rail, commonly referred to as 136RE rail, AREMA 136RE rail, or 136 lb rail, is a standard heavy rail used in railway construction. The "136" indicates a weight of 136 pounds per yard (≈67.5 kg/m). This type of 136 RE steel rail is widely applied in heavy-haul freight lines and high-traffic railway systems.

 

The 136RE rail profile is designed for strength and durability. Its geometry, including height, head width, and base width, ensures stable performance under heavy loads and long-term operation.

 

 

GNEE RAIL ensures accurate 136RE rail dimensions, consistent rolling quality, and reliable performance, while also supporting matching rail systems and processing services for different project needs.

 

What is the height of the 136 rail?

 

For the standard 136 RE rail profile (the most common 136 lb rail used in North America), the height is 7 5/16 inches, which converts to 185.74 mm.This measurement is taken vertically from the bottom of the base to the highest point of the rail head.

 

Technical Dimensions for 136 RE Rail

 

 

Feature	Imperial Measurement	Metric Measurement
Total Height	7 5/16"	185.74 mm
Base Width	6"	152.40 mm
Head Width	2 15/16"	74.61 mm
Web Thickness	11/16"	17.46 mm

 

Why Height Matters?

 

The height of the rail is the most important factor in its longitudinal stiffness. Because the 136 RE rail is taller than lighter sections (like the 115 RE, which is only 6 5/8" tall), it has a much higher Moment of Inertia.

 

In practical terms, this extra height allows the rail to:

 

• Reduce Deflection: The rail bends less under the weight of heavy locomotives.

 

• Distribute Load: It spreads the weight of the train over a larger number of sleepers (ties), protecting the track bed.

 

• Increase Service Life: A taller rail can withstand more wear on the head before it needs to be replaced or cascaded to secondary lines.

 

What are the advantages of 136 re rail?

 

136 RE rail is a heavy-duty AREMA-standard rail (136 lb/yd or ≈ 67.6 kg/m) designed for high-load, high-wear environments like mainline freight and mining railroads. Its primary advantages include increased axle load capacity, superior bending resistance due to its 185.74mm height, and enhanced service life through a wider head (74.61mm) and high-strength steel composition.

 

• High Load-Bearing Capacity: Engineered for heavy haul lines and mining tracks, 136RE handles greater axle loads compared to lighter sections like 115RE, making it ideal for high-traffic, heavy-tonnage routes.

 

• Extended Service Life: The rail's design features a thicker, wider head, which allows for increased wear resistance and durability, reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

 

 

• Excellent Structural Stability: With a height of 185.74 mm and a robust web thickness of 17.46 mm, 136RE rails provide superior bending resistance, ensuring better stability under heavy vertical and lateral forces.

 

• Optimized Profile for Heavy Duty: Compliant with AREMA standards, the T-shaped profile is engineered to handle demanding conditions, including industrial, mining, and freight traffic, often used for continuous welded rail (CWR) projects.

 

• High Wear and Corrosion Resistance: 136RE rails are produced using high-grade, premium steel designed to withstand extreme harsh environmental conditions.

 

FAQ

 

1. What is the standard height and full dimensions of 136RE rail?

The standard 136RE rail height is 185.7 mm. A complete 136RE rail profile also includes head width (74.6 mm), base width (152.4 mm), and web thickness.When purchasing AREMA 136RE rail, confirming full 136RE rail dimensions ensures compatibility with fastening systems, sleepers, and track structure. This avoids installation issues and additional costs later.

2. What is the typical length of 136RE rail for export?

Standard lengths of 136 lb rail are usually 12m, 25m, or longer welded rails depending on the project.For large railway projects, longer rails reduce joints and improve track smoothness.

 

3. Can 136RE rail be supplied with drilling and machining?

Yes, AREMA 136RE rail can be pre-processed with drilling, cutting, and end machining.Pre-machined 136RE rail reduces installation time and improves accuracy.

 

4. What fastening systems are compatible with 136 lb rail?

136RE rail is typically used with heavy-duty fastening systems, including clips, base plates, fishplates, and bolts designed for AREMA 136RE rail.Ensuring compatibility between the 136RE rail section and fastening system is critical for track stability and safety.

 

5. How is 136 lb rail packed and shipped?

Due to the weight of rail 136 lbs, rails are usually bundled with steel strapping and loaded using cranes.Proper packaging protects the 136RE rail profile from deformation during transportation.

 

6. How do I choose between 136RE rail and other rail types?

If your project involves heavy loads, high traffic, or long service life requirements, 136 lb rail is a strong choice.For lighter-duty applications, smaller rail types may reduce cost. The decision should be based on axle load, traffic frequency, and long-term maintenance expectations.

 

GNEE RAIL focuses on delivering stable AREMA 136RE rail, with strict control over 136RE rail dimensions, including height accuracy, profile consistency, and mechanical properties. Flexible processing options such as cutting, drilling, and matching fastening systems help meet different project requirements.

 

If you are evaluating 136 RE steel rail for your project, you can contact us to get a tailored rail solution, including detailed specifications, processing options, and system matching to support efficient and reliable railway construction.