Railroad Joint Bars for Rail 115RE

Railroad joint bars (also known as splice bars or fishplates) for 115RE rail are standardized connectors designed to join two sections of 115 lb/yd rail. They are manufactured to meet AREMA specifications, typically using quenched carbon steel for heavy-haul durability.

Standard Configurations

Joint bars for 115RE rail are primarily available in two lengths, depending on the number of bolt holes required for the application: 

• 4-Hole Joint Bar: 24 inches long.

• 6-Hole Joint Bar: 36 inches long. 

Technical Specifications

• Hole Type: Alternating round and oval (elliptical) holes to accommodate oval-neck track bolts, which prevents the bolt from rotating during tightening.

• Drilling Elevation: Standard rail hole elevation is typically 3-1/2". 

Installation Notes

• Rails must be clean and square at the joint.

• Joint bars are tightened to a specific torque (often 40–50 ft-lb for standard bolts, check local standard).

• Gaps at the rail end can be allowed for thermal expansion (e.g., 3–6 mm at room temperature).

Common Applications

• Freight corridors

• Passenger rail mainlines

• Industrial sidings

• High-speed rail, if made with high-precision or pre-stressed bars