AREMA tie plates are heavy steel plates placed between a railroad rail and a tie (sleeper) to distribute the load of passing trains across a larger surface area. They are manufactured to standards set by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and are critical for maintaining rail gauge, protecting ties from premature wear, and providing a stable track frame.
The 115RE rail itself (also known as TR57) has a standard profile with a 139.7 mm (5.5 in) base width. Using the correct AREMA tie plate ensures the rail sits securely between the shoulders, preventing lateral movement and reducing wear on the ties.
AREMA categorizes tie plates by "Plan Numbers," which specify dimensions based on the weight and base width of the rail being used.
Single Shoulder Tie Plates: These have one raised edge (shoulder) on the field side (outside) of the rail. They are typically used for lighter rail weights ranging from 56lb to 100lb.
Double Shoulder Tie Plates: These have raised edges on both the field and gauge sides to cradle the rail base securely. They are the modern standard for rails weighing over 100lb (e.g., 115RE, 136RE).
Hook Twin Tie Plates (HTTP): Special plates used in pairs for turnout positions (switches) and frogs where standard plates cannot fit the complex rail geometry.
Material: Typically manufactured from carbon steel (e.g., Q235, S275JR, or QT450-10).
Manufacturing Process: Most are hot-rolled, then sheared and stamped (punched) with spike holes.
Hole Patterns: Plates typically feature 4 to 8 square spike holes.
Surface Treatment: Options include plain (oiled), black coating, or hot-dip galvanized for high-corrosion environments like coastal tracks.
We offer forging, rolling or casting AREMA Tie Plates. It depends on customers requirements. While cast plates are cheaper and common for light loads, forging or rolling offers better structural integrity for heavy-haul tracks due to the improved grain flow.
Contact Us
Let us help you find the right rail railway tie plates solution for your project.
📧 Email: admin@rail-fastening.com
📞 Phone: +86 512 50353196
🌐 Website: www.rail-fastening.com
📍 Location: 120 Tongjing Road, Lujia Town, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215331 China