Fishplate Sizes: Standard Dimensions for Rail Joints Across Major Rail Standards
Jan 28, 2026
A fishplate, also called a joint bar or splice bar, is the steel bar bolted to the web of two rail ends to make a continuous running surface at a bolted joint. It is a load-carrying component, not a cover plate: it transfers bending moment across the joint gap and holds the two rail ends in vertical and horizontal alignment. Its size is therefore defined by the rail section, the number of bolts, and the service conditions of the line.
General Size Ranges for Fishplates
Length: 600 mm to 1000 mm for mainline rail. Shorter bars, such as 406.4 mm, are used for specific light sections (60A, 70A, 75A).
Thickness: commonly 6 mm to 10 mm for light industrial and tramway applications; mainline bars are deeper and thicker to match the rail web.
Bolt holes: 4 or 6 holes per bar, with standard hole diameters around 18 mm, 22 mm, or 25 mm depending on the rail mass and the fish bolt size (e.g. M22 or M24).
An example of a small joint set: 305 mm x 127 mm x 38 mm for specific light rail applications.
Fishplate Sizes by Standard
Each rail standard defines the joint bar profile, length, bolt pattern, and mass. The table below lists representative sizes from the GNEE range with the fishplate weight per bar.
| Standard | Rail Section | Holes / Length | Weight per Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole - 24 in | 17.04 kg |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 6 hole - 36 in | 25.56 kg |
| AREMA 2007 | 132-136RE | 4 hole - 24 in | 17.75 kg |
| AREMA 2007 | 132-136RE | 6 hole - 36 in | 26.63 kg |
| UIC 864 | UIC60 | 4 hole - 630 mm / bore 26 | 18.07 kg |
| UIC 864 | UIC60 | 4 hole - 600 mm / bore 28 | 17.47 kg |
| UIC 864 | UIC60 | 4 hole - 630 mm / bore 25 | 18.10 kg |
| UIC 864 | UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34 kg |
| UIC 864 | UIC54 | 6 hole - 800 mm | 19.94 kg |
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56 kg |
| BS 47-1 | BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61 kg |
| BS 47-1 | BS80A | 4 hole | 6.50 kg |
| BS 47-1 | BS90A | 685.8 mm / bore 26 | 13.23 kg |
| BS 47-1 | BS90A | 792.9 mm / bore 26.2 | 15.34 kg |
| BS 47-1 | BS100A | 4 hole | - |
| BS 47-1 | 90/91 lb | 4 hole / 6 hole | 18.08 kg / 19.90 kg |
| AS 1085 | 50 kg | 4 hole / 6 hole | 14.30 kg / 19.50 kg |
| AS 1085 | S49 | 4 hole | 9.71 kg |
Fishplate Materials
Joint bars are rolled from medium-carbon steel with controlled chemistry so the bar can be hardened at the rail contact face. Typical composition ranges are C 0.42-0.50% with Mn 0.50-0.80%, Si 0.17-0.37%, Cr max 0.25%, P and S max 0.035% for the 45-grade series, and C 0.62-0.70% for the higher 50-grade series. The composition is matched to the rail grade so the joint does not become a weak point in the track.
Types of Fishplates and When Each Is Used
| Joint Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard fishplate | Profile matches one rail section (e.g. UIC60, 136RE); typically 600 mm or 800 mm per side, 4 or 6 bolt holes. |
| Combination (compromise) fishplate | Joins two different rail sections (e.g. UIC54 to UIC60); each side is machined to its own rail profile. |
| Insulated rail joint (IRJ) | Steel bars with composite insulation; electrical resistance above 10^8 ohms for track circuits. |
| Glued insulated joint | Steel bars bonded to the rail web with high-strength adhesive for longer life on main lines. |
| Joggled fishplate | Depressed section that keeps the rail head continuous for smooth wheel passage. |
| Bridge joint | Reinforced, thicker web or longer bar for high-stress locations such as bridge approaches. |
| Cable tray fishplate | Small sections roughly 95 mm to 295 mm, used in electrical installation work rather than track. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What length of fishplate do I need for mainline rail?
For rail sections from 50 kg/m upward, standard joint bars are typically 600 mm to 800 mm long per side with 4 or 6 bolt holes. Longer bars spread the bending moment over more web area and are preferred where joints see heavy traffic.
Do fishplate dimensions follow the rail standard?
Yes. UIC 864 defines bars for UIC sections, AREMA defines bars for RE sections, BS 47-1 for BS sections, and AS 1085 for Australian sections. Always order the bar to the same standard as the rail, since the web profile and hole pattern are matched.
Can one fishplate join two different rail sections?
Yes, if it is a combination (compromise) fishplate machined with a different profile on each side, e.g. UIC54 on one side and UIC60 on the other. This is standard practice for rail transitions and temporary connections.
How many bolts does a fishplate need?
Normally 4 or 6 bolts per bar, in the hole pattern defined by the standard. The bolt diameter is matched to the hole, typically M22 or M24 class bolts with oval or diamond neck to prevent rotation.
How do I calculate fishplate weight for freight?
Multiply the weight per bar (given in the standard table, e.g. 17.04 kg for 115RE 4-hole) by the number of bars and add the fish bolts, nuts, and spring washers. We state bar weights in the technical data so your freight calculation is exact.
Are insulated fishplates available?
Yes. Insulated rail joints with composite end posts and high electrical resistance are supplied for signalled track, including glued insulated joints for mainline use where a longer maintenance interval is required.
