Base Plates for Rail 115RE

Base plates (also frequently called tie plates or sole plates) for 115RE rail are heavy-duty steel plates installed between the rail and the sleeper (tie). For 115RE rail, these plates must accommodate a standard 5-1/2" (139.7 mm) rail base width.

1. Standard Technical Specifications

Dimensions: The most common lengths used in North America are 11-inch, 14-inch, and 14-3/4 inch.

Weight: A standard 14-inch plate for 115RE typically weighs between 22 lbs and 29 lbs per unit, depending on whether it is a ribbed or non-ribbed design.

Cant (Inclination): Almost all 115RE plates feature a 1:40 cant, which tilts the rail slightly inward to match the tapered profile of train wheels for better stability.

Materials: High-strength materials like forged carbon steel (AREMA-compliant), ductile iron, or rolled steel (Q235, S275JR) are used to withstand intense mechanical stress.

2. Punching & Hole Patterns

Base plates feature precise hole patterns for fastening. These typically include: 

Line Holes: Positioned along the edge of the rail base to secure both the plate and the rail simultaneously using spikes or bolts.

Hold-Down (Anchor) Holes: Located toward the outer edges of the plate to independently secure the plate to the tie, reducing vibration and lateral shifting.

Common Patterns: Standard 115RE plates often have 4 to 8 holes; for example, direct fixation plates may use 4 round and 2 square holes. 

3. Application by Tie Type

The design of the base plate varies significantly depending on the foundation: 

Wooden Ties: Plates are mandatory to prevent the rail from "cutting" into the soft wood. They are usually secured with rail spikes or screw-spikes.

Concrete Ties: Often use specialized base plates or housings cast directly into the tie. These may include elastic "e-Clip" systems for high-speed or heavy-haul stability. 

4. Specialized Plate Types

Double Shoulder: Standard for 115RE; features ridges on both sides of the rail base to prevent lateral movement.

Hook Twin Tie Plate: Used in pairs for railway switches (turnouts) and frogs where space is limited and standard plates cannot fit.

Direct Fixation (Pandrol): Uses elastic clips (like the Pandrol "e-Clip") to provide high clamping force and better noise/vibration damping. 

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.