What are rail pads made of?

 

Rail pads are made from resilient, non-metallic materials like rubber, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or composite materials. They can also be made of other materials like cork-rubber compounds, depending on the specific application and performance requirements.

 

 

• Rubber: Often natural rubber blended with other compounds like nitrile rubber (NBR) for enhanced oil resistance, and reinforced with carbon black. Some pads may also have a steel mesh core for added rigidity.

 

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: High-density polyethylene is a type of plastic known for its stiffness and durability.

 

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: Ethylene-vinyl acetate is a strong and flexible plastic often used for its elastic properties.

 

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)

 

• Other materials: Polyurethane (PU) composite rubber, TPU, and cork-rubber compounds are also used in specific applications.

 

Installation Process and Techniques

 

• Preparing the Railway Track Bed

 

The installation of rubber pads in railway tracks begins with the meticulous preparation of the track bed. This involves ensuring that the track bed is clean, level, and free from debris that could compromise the installation. Proper drainage is also essential to prevent water accumulation, which could lead to deterioration of the pads. The preparation phase is crucial for achieving a stable and secure foundation that can support the subsequent placement of the rubber pads.

 

 

• Placement of Rubber Pads

 

Once the track bed is properly prepared, the rubber pads are carefully placed between the rail and the sleeper. This placement must be precise to ensure that the pads effectively distribute the load and absorb vibrations. Attention to detail during this phase can significantly influence the performance and longevity of the pads. The rubber pads must align perfectly with the rail seats on the sleepers to provide a uniform buffering layer. Proper placement not only enhances the stability and efficiency of the track system but also ensures the pads function as intended under operational conditions.

 

 

• Securing Mechanisms for Optimal Performance

 

The final step in the installation process involves securing the rubber pads in place to prevent any movement during train operations. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as clamps, fasteners, or adhesive bonding, depending on the design specifications and operational requirements of the railway system. Proper securing of the pads ensures they remain in position, providing consistent load distribution and vibration damping. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of the railway track system over time.

 

As a professional rubber rail pad manufacturer GNEE RAIL can produce various standards of rubber rail pads and other rail fasteners. If you want to build a railway line, do not hesitate to contact us, we can supply all types of rubber rail pads with different materials. If necessary, we can make customized rubber rail pad production.

 

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