AREMA Tie Plate for 115 lbs RE

AREMA Plan No. 11 (revised under modern standards as Plan 8 in some current catalogs) defines a 14-inch double-shoulder tie plate designed specifically for rail with a 5-1/2" base width, such as the 115 lb (RE or RA) sections. 

Technical Specifications (AREMA 14")

For modern construction, these plates must conform to AREMA Chapter 5, Part 1, which specifies they be manufactured from high-carbon steel (AISI 1045 or 1060) to resist deformation and wear. 

How AREMA Tie Plates Are Produced?

In China, AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) standard tie plates are primarily manufactured using three methods: rolling, casting, and forging. Signum produces these tie plates to meet North American railway specifications, such as AREMA Plan numbers for single or double-shoulder designs.

Primary Manufacturing Methods

Rolling (Most Modern):

• Process: Hot-rolled steel sections are punched and sheared to the required dimensions.

• Material: Typically Q235 carbon steel (equivalent to A3 carbon steel) or low-carbon steels like S275JR.

• Usage: Preferred for large-scale production due to its high efficiency and consistency in maintaining the 1:40 cant (inward slope) required by AREMA.

Casting (Most Traditional):

• Process: Molten metal is poured into molds to create the plate's shape. This is a cost-effective method often used for complex designs.

• Material: Often uses ductile iron (e.g., QT400-18, QT500-7, or QT450-10), which provides high impact toughness and better weldability.

• Usage: Widely used for heavy-axle load environments and specific specialty plates.

Forging:

• Process: Metal is shaped through compressive forces using friction presses or hammers. It results in a very high-strength product.

• Material: High-strength carbon steels like Q345 (low-alloy steel) are used for forged plates to handle extreme loading and provide corrosion resistance.

• Capacity: facilities can produce up to 500,000 forged plates annually.

Key Specifications & Features

AREMA Standard Compliance: Chinese-made plates are designed to meet AREMA Plan standards, including Plan #1 and #2 (single shoulder) and various double-shoulder plans for rails like 115RE, 119RE, and 136RE.

Surface Treatment: To prevent corrosion, plates are often finished with black coating, painting, or hot-dip galvanization.

Specialty Types:  We are also a producer of Hook Twin Tie Plates (HTTP), which are used in pairs for rail turnouts and comply with AREMA Plan 241. 

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.