Page 310 - SF RAIL CAT_V2.0_WEB_F2-UPDATE-02-11-18

RAIL PROPERTIES
RAIL PROPERTIES

RAIL PROFILE, WEIGHT, SIZE & FASTENING

RAIL PROFILE

The cross sectional shape of railway rail is called the Rail profile, which is perpendicular to the length of the rail.
The profile basically consists of three parts which are the head, web and foot.

HEAD

50KG & 60KG
RAIL PROFILES
WEB ARE THE MOST
POPULAR

FOOT
REFERENCE In the past rail was made of wood, cast iron or wrought iron. Modern rail is manufactured from hot rolled steel of

a specific cross sectional profile. The cross section (profile) typically approximates an I-beam but is asymmetric
about a horizontal axis. The head is profiled to resist wear and to give a good ride, the foot is profiled to suit the
fixing system.

Railway rails are made of very high quality steel as they are subject to very high stresses.
Larger rail, foundations and hardware allow for heavier and faster trains.
RAIL WEIGHT/SIZE

The weight of a rail per length is an important factor in determining rails strength and hence axle loads and
speeds. Weights are measured in Australia in kilograms per metre:
www.specialisedforce.com.au
• 30 kg/m (60 lb/yd) no longer made in Australia
• 36 kg/m (73 lb/yd) no longer made in Australia
• 41 kg/m (90 lb/yd)
• 47 kg/m (95 lb/yd) no longer conforms to Australian standards
• 50 kg/m (101 lb/yd)*
• 53 kg/m (107 lb/yd)
• 60 kg/m (121 lb/yd)*
• 68 kg/m (137 lb/yd) iron ore railways in WA same profile different hardness*
* 50kg, 60kg & 68kg are available in head hardened.

50kg and 60 kg are the current standard, although some other sizes are still manufactured.

some American sizes are used on northwest Western Australian iron ore railways.

Refer pages 301–303 for common rail profiles.

The technical information provided is intended for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Information may be
changed or updated without notice. Customers should seek technical information directly from manufacturers of railway track components to
ensure accuracy and suitability of tools and equipment.
300 SYDNEY Head Office (02) 9547 1844 Adelaide (08) 8352 8866 Brisbane (07) 3256 6011 Townsville (07) 4728 8756
Darwin (08) 8984 4453 Melbourne (03) 9761 4199 Perth (08) 9354 8544 Port Hedland (08) 9172 1113 Tasmania 0427 423 217