Abstract: A rail joint assembly joining the ends of two rails together includes a pair of joint bars. Each joint bar having one side configured to the rail web side. Mechanical fasteners mount the joint bars to the web sides. Pairs of load bearing keys are embedded in web counter bores at predetermined depths into the webs and embedded in adjacent joint bar counter bores at predetermined depths into the joint bars. The pairs of keys in the webs and the joint bars transfer railway loads through the joint and substantially strengthen the rail joint assembly.

Abstract: A rail length and rail joint is described which avoids the use of bolts, the rail length comprising basically a fastening element secured at each rail end to be joined, the element being provided with a through bore extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the associated rail length and a projection located in a position in which it intersects the bore and being radially displaceable to a location in which it lies clear of the bore. The rail length may be provided at each end with such a fastening element, one constituting a male element and the other a female element, the rail joint incorporating abutting male and female elements and a necked connecting pin.