115 lb Rail Dimensions and Specifications

The 115 lb rail, also known as the 115RE rail, is a foundational component of North American railway infrastructure, widely used on mainlines, industrial tracks, and heavy-haul corridors. A precise understanding of the 115 lb rail dimensions is essential for railway engineers, track designers, and maintenance crews to ensure the safety, durability, and efficiency of the track system. This rail profile, standardized by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), is engineered to provide a superior balance of strength, wear resistance, and economic value. This technical guide offers an in-depth analysis of the 115RE rail profile, its mechanical properties, and the types of rail clips designed to secure it.

115 lb Rail Dimensions

The 115RE rail profile is defined by a specific set of geometric measurements that dictate its performance under heavy and dynamic loads. The “115” signifies its nominal weight of 115 pounds per yard, while the “RE” indicates it is an AREMA standard profile. Its design features a robust head to withstand wheel contact, a sturdy web for shear strength, and a wide base for stability. This engineering ensures the rail can effectively distribute the immense vertical forces from trains and resist the lateral pressures experienced on curves. Adhering to these specifications is non-negotiable for building reliable and long-lasting track infrastructure.

Comprehensive 115 lb Rail Dimensions and Properties Table

The tables below outline the exact dimensions and mechanical properties of the 115RE rail section. These values are the basis for all engineering, installation, and maintenance decisions related to this profile.

115RE Dimensional Specifications (Metric & Imperial)

115RE Mechanical Properties

The overall height of 168.28 mm (6.625 inches) provides substantial vertical stiffness, which is crucial for minimizing deflection under load and ensuring a smooth running surface for trains. The head width of 69.06 mm creates a large contact area for the wheel, which helps to reduce contact stress and slow the rate of wear on both the rail and the wheel.

A key feature of the 115 lb rail dimensions is its wide, stable base width of 139.70 mm (5.5 inches). This provides a solid foundation on the tie plate, effectively distributing the load and resisting any tendency for the rail to tilt or overturn under the lateral forces generated on curves. The Moment of Inertia (65.5 in⁴) is a measure of the rail’s resistance to bending, and the high value for the 115RE profile confirms its suitability for heavy-haul and mainline traffic.

The material composition is equally important. 115RE rail is manufactured from high-carbon, high-manganese steel alloys such as U71Mn or standard grades like 900A/1100. This steel is often heat-treated to achieve a very hard running surface that resists wear, while the core of the rail remains ductile to prevent brittle failure under the repeated impact of passing trains.

Rail Clips for 115 lb Rail

A robust rail like the 115RE requires an equally robust fastening system to hold it in place. Rail clips are the primary component that provides the clamping force (toe load) needed to secure the rail to the sleeper. This prevents longitudinal movement (rail creep) caused by thermal expansion and the dynamic forces of braking and acceleration. The right clip system also helps maintain track gauge and absorbs vibrations, contributing to a longer lifespan for all track components.

Elastic Rail Clips (E-Type and SKL)

For heavy rail sections like the 115RE used in mainline service with continuous welded rail (CWR), elastic fastening systems are the industry standard. They are designed to provide a constant, maintenance-free clamping force while allowing for the slight vertical rail deflection and thermal movement necessary for track stability.

E-Type Clips:
These spring steel clips are one of the most common fasteners used worldwide. For a 115 lb rail, a heavy-duty E-type clip is required to provide sufficient toe load. The clip is driven into a cast-iron shoulder embedded in a concrete sleeper or attached to a tie plate, where it exerts a powerful and consistent clamping force on the rail foot.

• Compatible Sizes: E2001, E2007, or similar 20 mm diameter clips are suitable.
• Material: Forged Spring Steel (e.g., 60Si2MnA).
• Toe Load: A 20 mm clip can provide a toe load in the range of 1100-1400 kgf, which is ideal for securing heavy rail against high dynamic forces.
• Hardness: Typically hardened to 44-48 HRC for long-term elasticity.

SKL Tension Clamps:
The SKL system is another highly effective elastic fastening solution, popular in European-standard railways but also used globally. An SKL clip (like the SKL 14) is secured with a screw spike that tensions the clip’s arms down onto the rail base. This system provides a very secure fastening with a precisely controlled clamping force.

• Compatible Sizes: SKL 14 or similar heavy-duty tension clamps.
• Material: High-grade spring steel (e.g., 60Si2CrA).
• Installation: Used with screw spikes and plastic dowels on concrete sleepers. This allows for easy installation, adjustment, and replacement.

Specialized Cable Support Rail Clips

In modern railways, especially in signaled territory, various cables for signal and communication systems need to be run along the track. Specialized cable support clips are designed to attach directly to the rail, providing a secure and organized way to manage these conductors. For the 115RE rail, specific support spring clips are available that are designed to fit its profile perfectly.

CPI Support Spring Rail Clips:
These clips are designed to hold signal cables or other conductors close to the rail. They are made from tempered spring steel and are plated or galvanized to resist corrosion.

• Design: These clips are engineered to snap securely onto the web and base of the 115RE rail profile.
• Capacity: Available in different configurations to hold multiple cables of varying diameters (e.g., up to three cables with a 1.3-inch outer diameter).
• Installation: They are designed for quick and easy installation and are removable and reusable, making them ideal for both new construction and maintenance work.

The choice of the correct rail clip is a critical decision that depends on the sleeper type, the operational demands of the line, and the specific railway standards being followed. For a workhorse profile like the 115 lb rail, a high-performance elastic fastening system is essential to unlock its full potential for strength, durability, and safety.