The 115 lb RA rail tie plate is an older standard (AAR profile) for distributing heavy rail loads, now largely superseded in new installations by the modern 115 RE standard. While the "RA" and "RE" profiles are similar, they have slightly different geometries, requiring matching tie plates for a proper fit.
Application: Fits rail with a 5-1/2" base width.
Dimensions: Standard plates for this rail weight are typically 7-3/4" x 14" or 8" x 14".
Weight: A single plate typically weighs between 21.5 lbs and 24 lbs, depending on whether it is a ribbed or non-ribbed design.
The Cant: A 1:40 cant is the standard inward inclination that centers the load and reduces rail wear.
Material: Usually manufactured from high-carbon steel or ductile iron to meet AREMA or older AAR safety standards.
Double Shoulder: Most 115 lb plates feature two raised edges (shoulders) to lock the rail base in place laterally.
Punching Patterns: They typically feature 4 to 8 square spike holes (often labeled as "A" or "B" patterns in technical drawings) for securing to wooden ties.
Signum specializes in AREMA tie plates, specifically for 115RE or 136RE rail sections. We currently support North American infrastructure projects by providing forged,rolled and cast plates that meet Plan 8 and Plan 12 specifications.We’d love to send over our latest technical data sheets and lead times for your maintenance cycle if you need.