How do Rail Pads reduce noise?

 

Rail pads reduce noise by absorbing vibrations and dampening the energy that travels between the train wheels, the rails, and the track structure. They act as a barrier between the steel rail and the concrete or wooden sleepers, minimizing direct contact and preventing noise-generating vibrations from spreading. Their polymer materials, specific design, and ability to distribute weight further contribute to a quieter and smoother ride.

 

 

How rail pads work?

 

• Vibration absorption: Rail pads are made of materials like rubber or plastic that absorb vibrational energy from train movements. This reduces the energy that would otherwise be converted into noise.

 

Rubber Rail Pad
Technical Parameter	Unit	Value
Stiffness	KN	90-130
Hardness Shore A	℃	72-80 degree
Electronic Resistance	Ω	≥ 106
Tensile Strength before Aging	Mpa	≥12.5
Elongation before Aging	%	≥250

 

HDPE Rail Pad
Technical Parameter	Unit	Technical Requirement	Value
Density	g/cm3	0.95-0.98	0.95
Tensile Strength	Mpa	≥19	19
Elongation	%	>80	150
Melting Point	℃	170-190	190
Insulation Resistance	Ω	≥1×1010	3.5 ×1010
Hardness	A	≥98	98(A)

 

EVA: Polyethylene 80%, Vinyl Acetate 20%.
Technical Parameter	Unit	Technical Requirement	Value
Density	g/cm3	0.95-0.98	0.95
Tensile Strength	Mpa	≥15	16
Elongation	%	>500	550
Melting Point	℃	170-190	170
Insulation Resistance	Ω	≥1×1010	5.0 ×1010
Hardness	A	≥90	92(A)

 

• Isolation of components: By placing a pad between the rail and the sleeper, the direct, hard contact is eliminated. This isolation prevents the track structure from acting as a large amplifier for the sound waves generated by the wheels on the rails.

 

• Energy dissipation: The pads spread the high impact forces from the train, distributing the weight evenly over a larger area. This prevents high-stress points and helps dissipate the energy from the vibrations.

 

 

• Sound wave dampening: The material properties of the pads help to soak up and stop the spread of sound waves as they try to travel through the track system.

 

• Design features: Specific designs, such as variations in thickness or surface patterns, can be used to tune the pads to absorb specific frequencies of vibration, especially those that are most noticeable to humans.

 

Rail pad under the track can achieve such functions

 

• Distribute load to a large surface

 

• Eliminate load concentration and fatigue stress

 

• Absorb the uneven surface contact between rail and support

 

• Weaken rail noise and vibration

 

• Seal the gap between the bottom of the track and the top of the sleeper

 

• Reduce the wear of steel rail and rail sleeper

 

 

As a professional rail fastener manufacturer, GNEE RAIL can produce various types of rubber rail pads with different materials, such as natural rubber, EVA, HDPE and so on. Our EVA/HDPE/rubber rail pads are with high elasticity, applying to types for rails such as rail UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs,BS100lbs, and sizes as ordered. The pads can be customized with or without grooves, in various possible designs, depending on customers' requirements.

 

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