AREMA 115RE Rail Joint Bars

AREMA 115RE rail joint bars (also known as fishplates or splice bars) are standardized components used to connect two 115RE rail sections. These bars are specifically designed to match the 115RE profile—a common heavy-duty rail in North America weighing 115 lbs per yard. 

Technical Specifications

• Standard joint bars for 115RE rail typically come in two primary configurations: 

       4-Hole Joint Bar: 24 inches (approx. 610 mm) in length.

       6-Hole Joint Bar: 36 inches (approx. 914 mm) in length.

• Hole Pattern: Often features alternating round and oval (elliptical) holes to accommodate 1-inch diameter oval neck track bolts, which prevents the bolt from turning during tightening.

• Hole Spacing: For a 6-hole, 36-inch bar, the standard center-to-center spacing is 6"x6"x7-1/8"x6"x6".

• Material: Typically manufactured from quenched carbon steel or medium carbon steel (e.g., Grade 55#) to meet AREMA Section 2.8 specifications. 

Weight and Hardware

The weight varies depending on whether the bars are sold as a pair and if hardware is included:

Common Types

• Standard/Regular Bars: Used to connect two identical 115RE rail sections.

• Compromise Joint Bars: Used to connect 115RE rail to a different rail section (e.g., 100RE or 132RE) while maintaining gauge and surface alignment.

• Insulated Joint Bars: Designed to provide electrical isolation between rail sections, which is critical for signaling systems.

• Head-Free/Toeless: Modern designs often use "head-free" bars that do not contact the rail head web directly, reducing stress concentrations.