Types of rails

Types of Rail

Railway lines are typically made up of two primary components: rails and sleepers. Rails are a key component of any railway line as they provide the track upon which locomotives, wagons, and other vehicles can travel. Rails come in many different sizes and shapes, and are made of different materials depending on the application. Here is an overview of the different types of rail and their applications.

Lightweight Rail

The most common type of rail used in railway construction is lightweight rail. Lightweight rail is typically made of high-grade steel and has dimensions that range from 8mm to 50mm in diameter. It is available in various lengths, from 6-meter straight lengths to 24-meter welded lengths. Lightweight rail is mainly used for urban railways and light freight applications.

Heavyweight Rail

Heavyweight rail is a type of rail that is more robust than lightweight rail and is capable of withstanding greater loads. This type of rail is primarily used in main line and freight lines that are subject to heavier loads and more force. Heavyweight rail is typically made from alloy steel and has dimensions that range from 50mm to 140mm in diameter. The length of heavyweight rail is typically longer than lightweight rail, ranging from 18-meter straight lengths to 120-meter welded lengths. Heavyweight rail is much heavier and more expensive than lightweight rail, but is highly durable and reliable.

Crane Rail

Crane rail is a type of rail that is specifically designed for use in crane applications where heavy loads need to be lifted and moved. This type of rail is typically 100mm in diameter and is made of high-grade steel. The length of crane rail can range from 6-meter to 16-meter sections. It is highly durable and many crane rails have been in use for over 30 years with no sign of deterioration.

Flexible Rail

Flexible rail is a type of rail that is designed to move along with the natural expansion and contraction of the rail due to changes in temperature. This type of rail is used when building tracks on unstable terrain as it can absorb some of the flexing and force placed on the track due to the terrain. Flexible rail is typically made of rolled steel and is available in a range of lengths from 6-meter to 24-meter sections.

Tram Rail

Tram rail is a type of lightweight rail that is specifically designed for use in urban areas. It is made from high-grade steel and is typically 100mm in diameter. Tram rail is available in a range of lengths from 6-meter to 24-meter sections. The rail is designed to withstand the heavy loads imposed by trams that travel at high speeds in urban areas.

Switch Rail

Switch rail is an essential part of any railway line as it provides the track basing on which the points on the track can move allowing rail vehicles to switch tracks. It is typically 150mm in diameter and is available in a range of lengths from 6-meter to 24-meter sections. Switch rail is highly durable and designed to withstand the forces imposed by heavy loads travelling on the track.

High Speed Rail

High-speed rail is a type of rail that is specifically designed for use in high-speed railway construction. This type of rail typically has a diameter ranging from 100mm to 135mm and is available in a range of lengths from 6-meter to 24-meter sections. High-speed rails are made from high-grade steel and are designed to reduce noise pollution and vibration. They are also designed to reduce friction and resist wear, providing a smoother ride for passengers.

Rail Fastening

As well as rails, railway lines also need Rail Fastenings. Rail Fastenings are an essential part of a railway line as they provide the connection between the rails and the sleepers, allowing the rails to be secured in place. There are various types of Rail Fastenings available, such as Pandrol, Loktite and Keil, designed to fit specific applications.

Railway lines are a key component of transportation infrastructure in many countries and the quality of the rail components used to construct the lines is a key factor in their overall performance and reliability. Knowing the different types of rail and Rail Fastenings available is essential for any railway engineer. With the right knowledge, a quality railway line can be constructed that is fit for purpose and reliable for years to come.

Steel rail is an important part of the railway, railway construction of the necessary materials. Steel rails can be divided into two categories: light rails and heavy rails.

Light rails are mainly used for lines with short driving conditions and light axle loads, such as factories and mines. Light rails are divided into mine rails, industrial rails and tramway rails according to the application range. Mine rails are mainly used for underground mining and can be divided into 5KG, 8KG, 18KG, and 22KG. Industrial rails are mainly used for industrial traffic and can be divided into Q235 material and Q345 material. Tramway rails are mainly used for urban transportation such as trams and trolleys, and can also be divided into five types: 8KG, 9KG, 12KG, 15KG and 18KG.

Heavy rails are mainly used for general railway main lines and various branches, highways, bridges and other rail construction, according to the national standard of the Peoples Republic of China Railway Railway Materials Corporation produce domestic heavy rail types and specifications, including QU100, QU80, QU70, QU50, etc. , and foreign heavy rail, such as American 115RE, British UIC60, German UIC54 and 50N, etc.

Steel rails are of great importance for rail transit and play an important role in railway construction. Their selection and application should be based on local conditions and technical requirements.