10 Things You Need to Know About Rail Dimensions.
Rails are used for supporting heavy loads, particularly in industrial and construction settings. Knowing the dimensions of rails is crucial because they dictate their load-carrying capacity, durability, and compatibility with other components of your equipment. Here are ten things you need to know about rail dimensions:
1. Rail Height.
Rail height refers to the vertical distance from the rail base to the railhead. The standard rail height is 154 mm or 6 inches. Other heights include 136 mm, 160 mm, and 175 mm, depending on the application.
2. Rail Width.
Rail width refers to the distance between the railheads. The standard rail width is 143.7 mm or 5 ¾ inches. Other widths include 129.3 mm, 152 mm, and 159 mm, depending on the application.
3. Rail Base.
Rail base refers to the width of the bottom part of the rail that sits on the rail bed. It is important to note that the rail base should be wider than the width of the railhead to ensure stability. The standard rail base is 136.5 mm or 5 ⅜ inches.
4. Rail Section.
Rail section refers to the overall shape of the rail. There are several rail sections, classified by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). The most common rail section used in North America is the 136-pound rail.
5. Rail Weight.
Rail weight refers to the weight in pounds per yard or meter of rail length. The standard rail weight is 115 pounds per yard (57.5 kg/m). Other weights include 132 pounds per yard (66 kg/m), 136 pounds per yard (68 kg/m), and 141 pounds per yard (70.5 kg/m), depending on the application.
6. Rail Length.
Rail length refers to the length of the rail, typically measured in feet. The standard rail length is 39 feet (11.9 meters). Other lengths include 30 feet (9.1 meters), 60 feet (18.3 meters), and 80 feet (24.4 meters), depending on the application.
7. Rail Profile.
Rail profile refers to the shape of the railhead and the overall cross-sectional shape of the rail. The most common rail profile is the flat-bottomed rail, which has a straight, flat base and a symmetrical cross-section.
8. Rail Gauge.
Rail gauge refers to the distance between the two rails. The standard rail gauge is 4 feet 8 ½ inches or 1.435 meters. Other gauges include 5 feet (1.52 meters), 6 feet (1.83 meters), and 7 feet (2.13 meters), depending on the application.
9. Rail Material.
Rails can be made of various materials, including steel, iron, and composite materials. Steel rails are the most common and offer the best durability and strength.
10. Rail Standards.
Rail standards, such as those set by the AREMA, ASTM International, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), govern the production, testing, and use of rails. It is important to select rails that meet these standards to ensure reliability and safety.
In conclusion, understanding rail dimensions is crucial when selecting and installing rails for your equipment. Consider rail height, width, base, section, weight, length, profile, gauge, material, and standards, to ensure the optimal performance of your rail system.
Want more information on Hot Sale Railway Rail, Industrial Steel Wholesale? Feel free to contact us.