What are the different standards for Rail Pads?

 

Rail pad standards vary by region and type of application, with common standards including European EN 13481-2 and EN 16730, Chinese TB/T2626, and Indian RDSO specifications. Other standards mentioned are based on regional railway organizations like UIC, and general quality management systems like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are also used for certification. Standards address material properties, dimensions, and performance characteristics like elasticity and fatigue resistance.

 

International and regional standards

 

• European Union: EN 13481-2 and EN 16730 for rail fastening systems.

 

• China: TB/T2626 and HG/T 3328-2006.

 

• India: Indian Railway Standard Specification for Rail Pads (IRS-T-55-2023).

 

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO): A series of standards including ISO 14837-1:2005, ISO/TS 14837-31:2017, and ISO 22074 (various parts).

 

• International Union of Railways (UIC): UIC 864-5.

 

• United Kingdom: Network Rail (NR) standards like NR/L2/TRK/052, NR TWI 2C046, and NR TWI 2S075.

 

 

Key aspects covered by standards

 

• Material composition: Standards specify that pads must be made from virgin materials like natural rubber (RSS grades 1-4) or a blend with other synthetic rubbers, and explicitly prohibit the use of reclaimed or recycled rubber.

 

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)

 

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)

 

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

 

• Performance criteria: Specifications often cover aspects such as:

 

Elasticity: Defined by an elastic coefficient, often given as a range in MPa or N/mm², both before and after aging.

 

Fatigue resistance: The ability to withstand repeated stress without cracking or damage.

 

Compression set: A measure of permanent deformation after being compressed.

 

Oil resistance: Resistance to changes in mass and appearance when exposed to oil.

 

 

• Appearance and quality: Standards include requirements for a smooth surface, neat edges, and limitations on defects like missing angles, impurities, and burrs.

 

• Thickness: While not always a "standard," thickness is specified based on the application. For example, pads for fast trains are typically 8-12 mm thick, while those for heavy cargo lines are 12-20 mm thick. Thinner pads are suitable for city rails, and thicker pads may be needed for extreme weather conditions.

 

• Quality management: Many manufacturers adhere to broader quality management systems like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for production management.

 

What Rail Pads Are and Their Purpose?

 

Rail Pads are thin, strong layers. They're made from stuff like rubber or special mixes. They sit between the rail bottom and the sleeper. Their main job is to:

 

• Soak up shakes from moving trains.

 

• Stop rails and sleepers from wearing out fast.

 

• Keep tracks steady and strong.

 

 

Without Rail Pads, tracks get stressed. This leads to quick damage and pricey repairs.

 

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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