Referring to Figure 1, rail joints may be classified as either
insulated or bolted joints [6]. Insulated joints may be bonded
(in which the joint bars are epoxied to the rail) or non-bonded
(which are basically bolted joints with electrical insulating
properties). Bolted joints consist of either compromise or
standard joints. Compromise bars are used to join two rails of
unequal size (e.g. joining 115 lb rail and 140 lb rail). Standard
joints may be either temporary or permanent.