Rail dimensions are the foundation of every rail system. Rail infrastructure must be optimized by knowing railroad rail size, weight, length, and thickness. What are the typical railroad rail measurements, and how do profiles and materials affect them? From railroad rail gauge to rail kinds and standards, this guide from Xingrail covers everything you need to know about railway measurements. Learn how rail weight is calculated and what materials improve performance.
ASCE/AREA/ARA RailSpec
The ASCE/AREA/ARA rail specification specifies necessay railroad rail parameters for standardization and performance. Section index, weight per yard, height, base width, head width, web thickness, and common length define each rail type. For instance, the ASCE 12 weighs 12 pounds per yard and has a 2-inch height and base width. When section indices rise, weight and dimensions rise. Different railroad rail sizes and profiles enable compatibility with various operational and load needs.
The heavier and larger ASCE 30 rail weighs 30 pounds per yard, is 3 1/8 inches tall, and has a 3 1/8-inch base width. It supports heavier loads and applications due to its improved railroad rail specifications. The weight, size, and structural elements of a rail show how railroad rail standards maintain longevity and safety. Thus, understanding head width and web thickness is important for selecting the proper rail type for any system. This methodical methodology helps preserve train system homogeneity worldwide.
|
Rail Type |
Section Index |
Common Web Mark |
Weight Per Yard (lb) |
Height (in) |
Base Width (in) |
Head Width (in) |
Web Thickness (in) |
Common Length (ft) |
|
ASCE 12 |
12AS |
– |
12 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
3/16 |
– |
|
ASCE 16 |
16AS |
– |
16 |
2 3/8 |
2 3/8 |
1 11/64 |
7/32 |
– |
|
ASCE 20 |
20AS |
– |
20 |
2 5/8 |
2 5/8 |
1 11/32 |
1/4 |
– |
|
ASCE 25 |
25AS |
– |
25 |
2 3/4 |
2 3/4 |
1 1/2 |
19/64 |
– |
|
ASCE 30 |
30AS |
– |
30 |
3 1/8 |
3 1/8 |
1 11/16 |
21/64 |
– |
|
ASCE 35 |
35AS |
– |
35 |
3 5/16 |
3 5/16 |
1 3/4 |
23/64 |
– |
EN Rail Specification (13674-1-2003)
EN 13674-1-2003 establishes accurate railroad rail dimensions for modern rail systems’ homogeneity and performance. These specifications address head width, height, base width, web thickness, and nominal weight for rail types 46E1–60E1. For instance, the 46E1 rail type has a 65-millimeter head, 145-millimeter height, and 125-millimeter base. With a nominal weight of 46.17 kilograms per meter, it balances size and load-bearing capacity for lighter applications while maintaining safety and durability.
The 60E1 rail type has a 72-millimeter head, 172-millimeter height, and 150-millimeter base. Its 60.21 kilograms per meter nominal weight indicates its capacity to handle heavier loads and severe operations. These standardized railroad rail profiles facilitate high-speed and freight railways and ensure system interaction. EN standardizes web thickness and dimensions.
|
Rail Type |
Head Width (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Base Width (mm) |
Web Thickness (mm) |
Nominal Weight (kg/m) |
Cross Section Area (cm²) |
Mo. of Inertia (cm⁴) |
Length (m) |
|
46E1 |
65 |
145 |
125 |
14 |
46.17 |
– |
– |
– |
|
49E1 |
67 |
149 |
125 |
14 |
49.39 |
– |
– |
– |
|
50E1 |
65 |
153 |
134 |
15.5 |
50.37 |
– |
– |
– |
|
54E1 |
70 |
159 |
140 |
16 |
54.77 |
– |
– |
– |
|
60E1 |
72 |
172 |
150 |
16.5 |
60.21 |
– |
– |
– |
Rail Specification (GB11264-89/YB222-63)
The GB rail specification (GB11264-89/YB222-63) specifies railroad rail dimensions to improve operational efficiency and adaptation across rail systems. Each rail type in this specification has unique sizes and weights to fulfill load demands. With a head width of 25.4 millimeters, a height of 50.8 millimeters, and a base width of 50.8 millimeters, the GB6KG rail type weighs 5.98 kilograms per meter. Light-duty operations in urban transit or industrial rail networks are possible due to its compact design. Similarly, the GB9KG rail expands slightly to boost strength in lighter applications.
However, GB15KG and GB22KG rails can withstand heavier loads. The 42.86-millimeter head, 79.37-millimeter height, and 79.37-millimeter base of the GB15KG rail boost stability and longevity for mid-range systems. Due to its sturdy characteristics including a 50.3-millimeter head width and 23.3 kilos per meter weight, the GB22KG supports more demanding applications. These standardized railroad rail profiles ensure structural integrity and consistent performance across industrial and transportation applications while facilitating system integration.
|
Rail Type |
Head Width (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Base Width (mm) |
Web Thickness (mm) |
Cross Section Area (cm²) |
Nominal Weight (kg/m) |
|
GB6KG |
25.4 |
50.8 |
50.8 |
4.76 |
– |
5.98 |
|
GB9KG |
32.1 |
63.5 |
63.5 |
5.9 |
– |
8.94 |
|
GB12KG |
38.1 |
69.85 |
69.85 |
7.54 |
– |
12.2 |
|
GB15KG |
42.86 |
79.37 |
79.37 |
8.33 |
– |
15.2 |
|
GB22KG |
50.3 |
93.66 |
93.66 |
10.72 |
– |
23.3 |
DIN Crane Rail
DIN crane rail requirements are carefully designed for heavy-duty crane systems. To maximize load-bearing, these industrial railroad rail parameters vary in height, head width, base width, and web thickness. QU70 rails have a height of 70 millimeters, a head width of 120 millimeters, and a base width of 120 millimeters. Its nominal weight of 52.8 kilograms per meter facilitates lighter crane operations where balanced dimensions assure optimal performance without overwhelming the system.
Larger profiles like the QU100 and QU120 are strong for high-capacity cranes. QU100 has a height of 100 millimeters, a head width of 150 millimeters, and a nominal weight of 88.96 kg/m. With a height of 120 millimeters, head width of 170 millimeters, and nominal weight of 118.1 kilograms per meter, the QU120 handles the biggest loads while remaining stable. Crane systems need standardized railroad rail profile designs to work consistently. The rail requirements’ precise measurements promote safety, structural integrity, and industrial compatibility. These qualities make DIN crane rails necessay for large infrastructure projects.
|
Rail Type |
Height (mm) |
Head Width (mm) |
Base Width (mm) |
Web Thickness (mm) |
Head Depth (mm) |
Base Depth (mm) |
Nominal Weight (kg/m) |
Cross Section Area (cm²) |
Mo. of Inertia (cm⁴) |
|
QU70 |
70 |
120 |
120 |
28 |
– |
– |
52.8 |
– |
– |
|
QU80 |
80 |
130 |
130 |
32 |
– |
– |
63.69 |
– |
– |
|
QU100 |
100 |
150 |
150 |
38 |
– |
– |
88.96 |
– |
– |
|
QU120 |
120 |
170 |
170 |
44 |
– |
– |
118.1 |
– |
CHN (YB/T5055-93)
The CHN specification (YB/T5055-93) specifies railroad rail dimensions for industrial and heavy machinery uses. Each rail type under this standard is carefully built for performance and reliability. With a height of 70 millimeters, head width of 120 millimeters, and base width of 120 millimeters, the QU70 rail type weighs 52.8 kilos per meter. Its small, durable design fits lighter crane operations in industrial environments that require precise, well-balanced railroad rail profiles while maintaining structural integrity.
The durable QU100 and QU120 rails ideal for high-capacity applications. QU100 rails weigh 88.96 kilograms per meter and measure 100 millimeters high and 150 millimeters wide. At 118.1 kilos per meter, the QU120 rail, with a height of 120 millimeters and head width of 170 millimeters, is extremely strong. These dimensions show their precision and durability in harsh settings. The strict railroad rail specifications used in heavy-duty operations are reinforced by the CHN specification.
|
Rail Type |
Height (mm) |
Head Width (mm) |
Base Width (mm) |
Web Thickness (mm) |
Head Depth (mm) |
Base Depth (mm) |
Nominal Weight (kg/m) |
Cross Section Area (cm²) |
Mo. of Inertia (cm⁴) |
|
QU70 |
70 |
120 |
120 |
28 |
– |
– |
52.8 |
– |
– |
|
QU80 |
80 |
130 |
130 |
32 |
– |
– |
63.69 |
– |
– |
|
QU100 |
100 |
150 |
150 |
38 |
– |
– |
88.96 |
– |
– |
|
QU120 |
120 |
170 |
170 |
44 |
– |
– |
118.1 |
– |
– |
JIS Rail Spec
JIS rail dimensions are carefully designed for rail infrastructure reliability and efficiency. The precise measurements of each rail type in this standard ensure interoperability across applications. For example, the JIS30KG rail type has a height of 60.33 millimeters, a head width of 107.95, and a base width of 107.95. It accommodates light-to-medium loads at 30.1 kg per meter. The JIS37KG rail type is appropriate for systems that need durability due to its height of 62.71 millimeters and nominal weight of 37.2 kilograms per meter.
Larger profiles like the JIS50KG and JIS60KG can handle heavier rail systems and more demanding activities. Sized 65 millimeters tall and 153 millimeters wide, the JIS50KG is sturdy and weighs 50.4 kilos per meter. Its 65-millimeter height and 174-millimeter head width set it apart from the other variants. The nominal weight of 60.8 kilograms per meter assures stability and structural integrity. These railroad rail specifications show how improved measurements and profiles improve performance, safety, and adaptability.
|
Rail Type |
Height (mm) |
Head Width (mm) |
Base Width (mm) |
Web Thickness (mm) |
Nominal Weight (kg/m) |
|
JIS30KG |
60.33 |
107.95 |
107.95 |
12.3 |
30.1 |
|
JIS37KG |
62.71 |
122.24 |
122.24 |
13.49 |
37.2 |
|
JIS40KG |
64 |
140 |
122 |
14 |
40.9 |
|
JIS50KG |
65 |
153 |
127 |
15 |
50.4 |
|
JIS60KG |
65 |
174 |
145 |
16.5 |
60.8 |
Xingrail knows that precise railroad rail dimensions are essential for rail system safety, efficiency, and longevity. Through our rail fastening expertise, we provide products of the highest quality and performance. Our advanced designs and reliable services are customized for railways, ports, and industrial applications.
Trust Xingrail for rail fastening technology. Together, we can build future rail systems that are stronger, safer, and more efficient. Make your next project successful with us.
