How to use rail fishplate to connect the s20 steel rail?

what is railway fish plate?

A railway fish plate (also known as a splice bar or joint bar) is a metal plate bolted to the ends of two rails to join them together, ensuring continuity, alignment, and structural integrity of the track. They allow for slight expansion/contraction and are essential for safe, smooth train passage.

Key Functions of Fish Plates:

Connecting Rail Ends: They securely join two rail sections together.

Maintaining Alignment: They keep tracks aligned horizontally and vertically.

Structural Support: They provide strength and stiffness to the joint, supporting the load as trains pass.

Allowing Expansion: They enable rails to expand or contract with temperature changes.

Specifications of Rail fish plate 

Rail fish plates (joint bars) are specialized steel components connecting rail ends to ensure structural continuity. They adhere to standards like UIC (60/54), BS (80A/90A/100A), DIN (5902), or AREMA, with materials typically being high-strength steel (Q235, 40#, 55#). Key specs include 4-6 bolt holes, a length of 610mm or more, and high tensile strength (550-650 MPa).

Fishplate for UIC Standard Steel Rail
Steel Rail Type	Steel Rail Weight (KG/M)	Fishplate Standard	Fishplate Material
UIC54	54.43	UIC	45#,55#
UIC60	60.34
Fishplate for BS Standard Steel Rail
BS50’O’	24.833	BS 47-1	55#,45#   European Grade 700
BS60A	30.618
BS75R	37.041
BS80A	39.761
BS90A	45.099
BS100A	50.182
BS113A	56.398
Joint Bar for AREMA 2007 Standard Steel Rail
100RE(TR50)	50.35	AREMA 2007	45#,55#,AREMA Grade Steel
115RE	56.9
115-119RE
132RE	65.31
133RE	66.1
136RE	67.41
132-136RE
Fishplate For Chinese Standard Steel Rail
GB15KG	15.2	YB226-63	Q235,45#
GB18KG	18.06	YB225-63
GB22KG	22.3	YB14-63
GB24KG	24.46
GB30KG	30.1	YB351-63
GB38KG	38.733	TB/T 2345-2008	45#,55#
GB43KG	44.653
GB50KG	51.514

How to use rail fishplate to connect the s20 steel rail?

To connect S20 steel rails, place two matching S20 fishplates (joint bars) on opposite sides of the rail web, aligning the four or six fish bolt holes. Secure them by inserting lubricated bolts with washers through the holes, tightening the nuts to a specified torque while leaving a small expansion gap (typically < 2mm).

Key Installation Steps:

Preparation: Clean the rail ends and fishplates, applying oil to prevent rust and ensure smooth contact.

Alignment: Position the fishplates on both sides of the rail web, bridging the two rail ends. S20 rails typically use a 4-hole or 6-hole fishplate design.

Bolt Installation: Insert fish bolts (often M12-M20 for light rails) from alternating sides.

Fastening: Install spring washers (with openings facing down) and nuts, tightening them to secure the joint firmly while allowing for thermal expansion.

Spacing: Ensure a gap of no more than 2mm is left between the rail ends to allow for thermal expansion.

 

Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.

 

Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints，with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients’ project needs.