What Is the Height of the 136 Rail? 136RE Profile Dimensions Explained

What Is the Height of the 136 Rail?

For the standard 136RE 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. The measurement is taken vertically from the bottom of the base to the highest point of the rail head. The 136 in the designation refers to the nominal weight of 136 pounds per yard, approximately 67.5 kg/m.

Technical Dimensions for the 136RE Rail

Feature	Imperial measurement	Metric measurement
Total height	7 5/16 in	185.74 mm
Base width	6 in	152.40 mm
Head width	2 15/16 in	74.61 mm
Web thickness	11/16 in	17.46 mm
Reference standard	AREMA

Why Height Matters

Rail height is the most important factor in longitudinal stiffness. Because the 136RE rail is taller than lighter sections, such as the 115RE at 6 5/8 inches (168.28 mm), 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: the weight of the train is spread over a larger number of sleepers, protecting the track bed.

Increase service life: a taller rail can withstand more head wear before it needs to be replaced or cascaded to secondary lines.

Advantages of the 136RE Rail

High load-bearing capacity: engineered for heavy-haul lines and mining tracks, handling greater axle loads than lighter sections such as the 115RE.

Extended service life: a thicker, wider head increases wear resistance and durability, reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

Excellent structural stability: with a height of 185.74 mm and a web thickness of 17.46 mm, the 136RE provides superior bending resistance under vertical and lateral forces.

Optimised profile for heavy duty: compliant with AREMA standards, the T-shaped profile is used for continuous welded rail (CWR) projects and demanding freight, industrial and mining traffic.

Wear and corrosion resistance: produced from high-grade rail steel designed for harsh environmental conditions.

FAQ

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

The standard 136RE rail height is 185.7 mm (7 5/16 in). The full profile includes a head width of 74.6 mm, a base width of 152.4 mm and a web thickness of 17.46 mm. Confirming the full dimensions ensures compatibility with fastening systems, sleepers and the track structure.

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

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

Can the 136RE rail be supplied with drilling and machining?

Yes. The AREMA 136RE rail can be pre-processed with drilling, cutting and end machining to drawings, which reduces installation time and improves accuracy on site.

What fastening systems are compatible with the 136 lb rail?

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

How is the 136 lb rail packed and shipped?

Because of the rail weight, sections are usually bundled with steel strapping and loaded with cranes. Proper packaging protects the profile from deformation during transportation.

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

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