What is the length of the GB Light Rail?
Jan 14, 2026
What is the length of the GB light rail?
Light steel rail, also known as mining rail, refers to steel rails weighing 30 kg/m or less. The length of GB light rail is standardized to support easy transportation, flexible installation and efficient joint connection in industrial and temporary railway tracks.
Under GB standards, light rails are produced in fixed standard lengths and can be joined using fishplates and rail bolts to form continuous tracks. These standard lengths balance handling convenience with structural stability, especially in mines, factories, ports and construction sites where manual or semi-mechanized installation is common. In practice, the most common standard lengths for GB light rail are 6 meters, 9 meters and 12 meters. Non-standard lengths can be produced for special layouts such as underground tunnels, tight curves or prefabricated track panels. The choice of length is usually determined by site conditions, lifting capacity, transport limits and track design requirements.
Standard GB light rail models
| Section | Height (mm) | Head (mm) | Base (mm) | Web (mm) | Mass (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB 8 kg/m | 65 | 25 | 54 | 7 | 8.42 |
| GB 9 kg/m | 63.5 | 32.1 | 63.5 | 5.9 | 8.94 |
| GB 12 kg/m | 69.85 | 38.1 | 69.85 | 7.54 | 12.2 |
| GB 15 kg/m | 79.37 | 42.86 | 79.37 | 8.33 | 15.2 |
| GB 18 kg/m | 80 | 40 | 80 | 10 | 18.06 |
| GB 22 kg/m | 93.66 | 50.8 | 93.66 | 10.72 | 22.3 |
| GB 24 kg/m | 107 | 51 | 90 | 10.9 | 24.46 |
| GB 30 kg/m | 107.95 | 60.33 | 107.95 | 12.3 | 30.1 |
International light rail equivalents and lengths
JIS light rails
JIS E1103-91 and JIS E1101-93 cover Japanese light and medium rails with standard lengths of 9-10 m:
| Size | Head (mm) | Height (mm) | Base (mm) | Web (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JIS 15 kg | 42.86 | 79.37 | 79.37 | 8.33 | 15.2 | 9-10 |
| JIS 22 kg | 50.8 | 93.66 | 93.66 | 10.72 | 22.3 | 9-10 |
| JIS 30 kg | 60.33 | 107.95 | 107.95 | 12.3 | 30.1 | 9-10 |
| JIS 37A | 62.71 | 122.24 | 122.24 | 13.49 | 37.2 | 10-25 |
| JIS 50N | 65 | 153 | 127 | 15 | 50.4 | 10-25 |
American and European light rails
American light and medium rails include ASCE 60, ASCE 80 and ASCE 85 sections, while European light rails are designated S18, S20 and S24 in the EN system. As with GB rails, standard lengths are set to keep handling and joint spacing practical for industrial tracks.
Mining rail application range
Light steel rails are widely used in transportation and industrial fields because of their light structure, flexible installation, low cost and strong adaptability. For underground mine railways that transport ore carts in metal and coal mines, the tracks run in harsh, corrosive underground environments; 18 kg/m and 22 kg/m sections in 55Q or U71Mn are the recommended choices, usually supplied in 6 m lengths for ease of handling in tunnels.
FAQ
What are the standard lengths of GB light rail?
The most common standard lengths are 6 m, 9 m and 12 m; non-standard lengths can be produced for special layouts.
How are light rails joined into continuous track?
Fishplates and rail bolts are used at the joints, or the rails can be welded where a continuous smooth running surface is required.
Why is 6 m length common in mining?
Six-meter rails are easier to handle and transport inside narrow underground tunnels, where lifting and space are limited.
What is the heaviest GB light rail section?
The 30 kg/m section with an actual mass of 30.1 kg/m is the heaviest in the light rail range.
Can light rails be supplied in customized lengths?
Yes. Short sections can be cut for tunnels and curves, and longer lengths reduce the number of joints for smoother running.
Which rail is recommended for underground mine tracks?
18 kg/m and 22 kg/m sections in 55Q or U71Mn steel are typical for underground ore transport lines.
