What is the standard size of 136RE Rail?

What is 136RE rail?

136RE rail (also known as TR68) is a heavy-duty steel rail profile adhering to AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) standards, featuring a mass of 67.5 kg/m (136 lb/yd). It is designed for high-load capacity, making it ideal for mainline freight, high-speed passenger lines, and heavy industrial crane applications.

What is the standard size of 136RE Rail?

Weight: 67.5 kg/m (136 lb/yd).

Standard: AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association).

Dimensions: 185.7 mm (Height), 152.4 mm (Bottom Width), 74.6 mm (Head Width), 17.5 mm (Web Thickness).

Profile	Standard	Dimensions mm					Section S	Mass m
		H	B	C	D	E	cm²	kg/m
American standard
136RE (TR68)	AREMA	185,70	152,40	74,60	49,20	17,50	85,90	67,50

Applications: Mainline railways, mining lines, and heavy-duty port cranes.

Material Grades: Available in standard and high-strength, wear-resistant steels (e.g., 900A/1100, R260/R350HT).

AERMA 2019	Strength Grade	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Ni	Cr	V
Carbon Steel		0.74–0.86	0.10–0.60	0.75–1.25	≤0.020	≤0.020	≤0.25	≤0.30	≤0.010
Low Alloy Steel	Standard Strength (SS)	0.72–0.82	0.10–0.50	0.80–1.10	≤0.020	≤0.020	≤0.15	0.25–0.40	≤0.010
	Intermediate Strength (IS)	0.72–0.82	0.10–1.00	0.70–1.25	≤0.020	≤0.020	≤0.15	0.40–0.70	≤0.010
	High Strength / Head Hardened (HH)	0.72–0.82	0.10–1.00	0.70–1.25	≤0.020	≤0.020	≤0.15	0.40–0.70	≤0.010

What are the advantages of using a 136 lb rail?

Using a 136 lb rail (officially designated as 136RE) offers significant advantages for heavy-haul and high-traffic railway operations. Weighing approximately 136 pounds per yard (about 67.5 kg/m), it is the industrial standard for North American mainlines.

1. Superior Load-Bearing Capacity

The 136RE rail is engineered specifically for heavy axle loads. Its substantial mass and cross-sectional design allow it to support massive freight cars and locomotives without excessive deformation. This makes it the preferred choice for mining operations, coal transport, and intermodal freight corridors.

2. Enhanced Structural Rigidity

The profile of a 136 lb rail features increased dimensions compared to lighter sections like 115RE:

Greater Height (185.74 mm): Increases bending strength and torsional resistance, which is vital for maintaining track stability under heavy loads.
Thicker Web (17.46 mm): Provides better vertical load transfer and reduces the risk of fatigue-related failures.
Wider Head and Base: The 74.61 mm head width better distributes wheel pressure, while the 152.4 mm (6-inch) base provides a stable foundation on sleepers (ties).

3. Extended Service Life and Low Maintenance

Because it contains more “wear metal” in the rail head, the 136RE rail has a much longer wear life than lighter rails.

High Wear Resistance: It is often available in head-hardened (HH) grades to withstand extreme friction in curves.
Reduced Maintenance: The rail’s stiffness helps maintain track geometry (alignment and gauge) over longer periods, leading to fewer repairs and lower long-term operational costs.

4. High-Speed Compatibility

While primarily known for freight, its stability and stiffness also make it suitable for high-speed passenger lines. The heavy profile minimizes track “wave” action in front of moving wheels, allowing for smoother and safer operation at higher velocities.

5. AREMA Standardization

The 136RE rail follows strict AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) standards. This ensures:

Global Availability: It is widely produced and easy to source for major projects.
Interchangeability: It uses standardized fastening systems, clips, and fishplates, simplifying installation and upgrades from older 132RE or 133RE tracks.

The main advantages of using a 136 lb rail are its superior load-bearing capacity for heavy axle loads, enhanced structural rigidity that prevents deformation, extended service life due to its larger wear surface, and reduced maintenance costs resulting from its high durability and standardized profile. 

 

GNEE RAIL focuses on delivering consistent AREMA 136RE rail quality, with strict control over 136RE rail dimensions, material properties, and production accuracy. Flexible options such as customized length, drilling, and matching fastening systems help adapt the rail to different railway applications.

For heavy-haul and high-traffic railway projects, choosing the right 136 pound rail is essential for ensuring long service life and stable operation. GNEE RAIL supports optimized rail solutions tailored to real working conditions, helping achieve better performance and efficiency.Get a Quote for 136RE Rail Now.