Rail Size and Weight Chart

Understanding rail specifications is crucial for anyone involved in railway engineering, construction, or procurement. A detailed rail size and weight chart serves as an indispensable tool for identifying the correct rail section for a specific application, ensuring both safety and operational efficiency. This guide provides an in-depth look at various rail profiles, their dimensions, and the corresponding fastening systems, such as rail clips, that are essential for creating a stable and durable track structure. From light-duty tracks to heavy-haul mainline applications, selecting the appropriate rail based on its weight and dimensional properties is the first step toward a successful project.

Rail Specifications

Rail specifications are standardized to ensure interchangeability and safety across vast networks. These standards, often governed by organizations like the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), define the exact profile and metallurgical properties of the rail. The nominal weight, measured in pounds per yard (or kilograms per meter), is the primary identifier for a rail section. For example, a 115 lb rail weighs 115 pounds for every yard of its length. This weight directly correlates with the rail’s strength and capacity to handle axle loads.

Heavier rails, such as those weighing 132 lbs to 141 lbs per yard, are typically used for mainline tracks that support high-speed trains and heavy freight. Their larger cross-sectional area provides greater strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. Lighter rails, found in the 60 lb to 90 lb range, are suitable for industrial tracks, yards, and sidings where speeds and loads are significantly lower. Choosing the correct rail requires balancing the operational demands with the project budget, as heavier rails are more costly but offer a longer service life under demanding conditions.

Rail Size and Weight Chart

A rail size and weight chart is essential for identifying and comparing different rail sections. The table below outlines the specifications for various Tee Rail sections, including dimensions defined by standards like ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) and ARA (American Railway Association). These dimensions—height (HT), base width (BW), head width (HW), and others—are critical for matching the rail with the correct joint bars, tie plates, and fastening systems. The designation codes help in identifying mill marks rolled onto the rail’s web.

Key to Dimensions:

• HT: Total Height
• BW: Base Width
• HW: Head Width
• W: Web Thickness
• HD: Head Depth
• FD: Fishing Depth (distance from head underside to base underside)
• BD: Base Depth
• E: Joint Bar Bearing

Rail Clip Specifications

Once the appropriate rail section is selected, securing it to the ties is paramount. Rail clips are a critical component of the fastening system, responsible for holding the rail firmly in place, preventing longitudinal movement (creep), and maintaining the correct track gauge. Unlike track spikes, which can loosen over time under heavy loads, clip-based systems provide constant and reliable clamping force. There are several types of rail clips, each designed for specific applications, rail sizes, and support structures (e.g., wood ties, concrete ties, or steel base plates).

Types of Rail Clips

The selection of a rail clip depends on factors such as the type of track (mainline, crane rail, industrial), the expected loads, and the environmental conditions.

1. Adjustable Rail Clips: These clips are versatile and allow for fine-tuning the rail’s lateral position. They are ideal for tracks where precise alignment is critical, such as in curved sections or where thermal expansion and contraction require periodic adjustment. The adjustability helps ensure the gauge is maintained accurately over the track’s life.
2. Weldable Rail Clips: For applications requiring maximum stability and a permanent bond, weldable clips are a popular choice. The base of the clip is welded directly to a steel tie plate or the underlying steel structure. This creates an extremely strong and rigid fastening system that is common in crane rail installations and on bridges where longitudinal forces are significant.
3. Boltable Rail Clips: Boltable clips offer a secure fastening method without the need for welding. They are bolted to the tie plate or foundation, clamping the rail foot. This method provides strong clamping force and is easier to install or replace than weldable clips, offering a balance of security and maintainability.
4. Elastic Rail Clips: Often referred to by brand names like “Pandrol” or “Vossloh,” elastic clips are the standard for modern mainline and high-speed railways. These clips are designed to apply a continuous, dynamic clamping force on the rail foot. Their spring-like action absorbs vibrations and shocks from passing trains, reducing wear on both the rail and the ties. This elasticity also helps accommodate small vertical movements of the rail without losing clamping pressure, contributing to a smoother ride and lower maintenance needs.

Rail Clips Specifications and Selection

Choosing the correct clip requires matching its design to the specific rail section being used. The “toe load”—or the downward force the clip exerts on the rail foot—is a primary specification. This force must be sufficient to prevent the rail from moving or rotating under load but not so high that it introduces excessive stress into the rail.

The diagram below illustrates a typical boltable rail clip, highlighting its components and how it engages with the rail.

Typical Boltable Rail Clip Assembly:

• Clip Body: The main component that provides the clamping force.
• Bolt and Nut: Secures the clip body to the base plate.
• Nose: The part of the clip that makes direct contact with the rail foot, transferring the clamping force.
• Base Plate: The steel plate under the rail to which the clip is attached.

When ordering rail clips, it is crucial to provide the supplier with detailed information, including:

• The rail section (e.g., 115RE, 136RE).
• The type of support structure (wood tie, concrete tie, steel girder).
• The required toe load or clamping force.
• Any special environmental considerations, such as corrosive atmospheres, which may require specialized coatings.

For highly specialized tracks, such as crane runways, providing the crane’s capacity and wheel load data is also essential. This ensures the selected clip can withstand the unique vertical and lateral forces generated by heavy lifting equipment. Just as a rail size and weight chart is fundamental for rail selection, a thorough understanding of clip specifications is vital for building a safe and long-lasting track system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most common rail sizes used?

The most common rail sizes depend on the application. For North American mainlines, 115 lb, 132 lb, 136 lb, and 141 lb rails are prevalent. Industrial and yard tracks often use lighter rails, such as 85 lb or 90 lb sections, for cost-effectiveness.

How is rail weight measured?

Rail weight is measured in pounds per yard (lbs/yd) in North America and other regions using imperial units. In most other parts of the world, it is measured in kilograms per meter (kg/m). The weight signifies the mass of one yard or one meter of the rail.

What do ASCE and AREMA stand for?

ASCE stands for the American Society of Civil Engineers. AREMA stands for the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association. Both organizations have historically developed standards for rail profiles, though AREMA standards are now the primary reference for the North American railroad industry.

Why are there so many different rail profiles?

Different rail profiles have been developed over many decades to meet evolving operational needs. Heavier and more robust profiles were created to handle increased train speeds, heavier axle loads, and higher traffic volumes, improving safety and extending the life of the track infrastructure.

How do I identify a piece of rail?

You can identify rail by measuring its key dimensions, such as height and base width, and comparing them to a rail size and weight chart. Additionally, most rails have mill marks rolled into the web that indicate the manufacturer, weight, section type, and year of production.