ASCE 85 rail is a steel railroad rail defined by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). It weighs 85 lb per yard, or about 42.2 kg/m. Engineers choose it for industrial plant railways, crane runways, and light industrial tracks.
Clip selection matters because the wrong fastener causes lateral shift, accelerated wear, and even derailment. Every ASCE 85 installation needs clips matched to the rail’s head width, base width, and web geometry. A mismatch, even within the ASCE family, creates loose tolerances that grow dangerous under repeated crane loads.
ASCE 85 Rail Specifications at a Glance
Knowing the rail’s geometry is the first step in selecting the right asce85 rail clips. ASCE 85 rail has a nominal rail height of approximately 132 mm and a base width of approximately 114 mm. The head width is roughly 68 mm, and the web sits between those two flanges.
These dimensions differ from those of ASCE 60 and ASCE 90, even though all three rails belong to the same ASCE family. For authoritative values, consult the full ASCE rail dimensions table before placing a clip order.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 85 lb/yd ≈ 42.2 kg/m |
| Rail height | ≈ 132 mm |
| Base width | ≈ 114 mm |
| Head width | ≈ 68 mm |
Technical Spec Comparison — ASCE 85 vs Adjacent Rails
Choosing the right fastener requires comparing ASCE 85 with the rails that often appear on the same project. The table below sets ASCE 85 against ASCE 60, ASCE 75, ASCE 90, and 115RE.
| Spec | ASCE 85 | ASCE 60 | ASCE 75 | ASCE 90 | 115RE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (lb/yd) | 85 | 60 | 75 | 90 | 115 |
| Weight (kg/m) | ≈42.2 | ≈29.8 | ≈37.2 | ≈44.6 | ≈57.0 |
| Rail height (mm) | ≈132 | ≈111 | ≈124 | ≈136 | ≈168 |
| Base width (mm) | ≈114 | ≈102 | ≈114 | ≈114 | ≈127 |
| Clip series | ASCE | ASCE light | ASCE | ASCE | AREA |
Reference values only; verify with ASCE standard documents and the site’s ASCE rail dimensions page.
Two key points stand out. First, ASCE 85 and ASCE 90 share the same base width, but ASCE 90 is taller and heavier. That height difference means each rail needs its own clip set — you cannot swap them. Second, 115RE falls under the AREA series, not the ASCE series. See the 115 lb rail dimensions page and the AREMA rail standard for details.
Rail Clip and Clamp Options for ASCE 85 Rail
Two main clip types suit ASCE 85 rail, depending on the load environment.
Elastic rail clips grip the rail base with a spring force. They absorb vibration, resist fatigue cracking, and require little maintenance. These clips are a strong choice for industrial plant railways and branch-line sidings where loads are moderate and access is limited.
Forged clamps and self-locking plates handle the higher lateral forces found on crane runways. A self-locking design locks tighter as lateral force increases, which is exactly what you need under a traveling bridge crane. See our self-locking crane rail clips for the ASCE 85-compatible range.
In both cases, pair the clip with a rail pad or rubber baseplate shim. The pad distributes load across the tie or crane girder flange and protects the rail base from fretting damage. For broader context on ASCE rail applications, visit the dedicated page.
You can also use our clip selector tool below to cross-check your rail section against available fastener options:
Application Scenarios: Which Clip Fits Your Project?
| Scenario | Recommended fastener | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial plant track | Elastic clip + base pad | Light load, easy maintenance |
| Crane runway (ASCE 85) | Forged clamp / self-locking plate | Resists lateral force |
| Rail yard / branch line | Elastic clip | Fatigue-rated |
| Insulated section | Elastic clip + insulating pad | Signal-circuit compatible |
For projects using AREA railway track, note that AREA-series clips are not interchangeable with ASCE-series clips. Always match clip series to rail series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is ASCE 85 rail?
— An American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standard railroad rail weighing 85 lb/yd, or about 42.2 kg/m, used in industrial tracks and crane runways.
Q2: Which rail clips fit ASCE 85 rail?
— Elastic rail clips and forged clamps matched to the ASCE 85 head and base. Confirm the section on our ASCE rail dimensions page.
Q3: How much does ASCE 85 rail weigh per yard?
— 85 lb per yard, roughly 42.2 kg/m. Confirm against the ASCE standard or factory drawings.
Q4: What is the difference between ASCE 85 and ASCE 90 rail?
— Both are ASCE-series rails, but ASCE 90 is heavier (90 lb/yd) with a taller section. Therefore, it needs its own clip and clamp match.
Q5: Can ASCE 85 clips be used on 115RE rail?
— No. ASCE and AREA/115RE rails have different head and base profiles. Each requires clips matched to its own section.
