What are the different types of rail pads

Where rail pads sit and what they do

A rail pad, also called a rail rubber plate, is an elastic mat placed between the rail foot and the sleeper (or the tie plate and sleeper). Its defined stiffness increases the elasticity of the track superstructure, protects the sleeper top from wear and impact, reduces shock and vibration in the rail system, and provides electrical insulation where the fastening must be insulated. The pad is a designed part of the fastening system, not an accessory: its stiffness class is part of the system specification.

Rubber pads

Rubber pads are the default for general and demanding service. Natural or synthetic rubber gives excellent elasticity, high wear resistance and good anti-ageing behaviour, with the resilience needed for high-speed, heavy-haul and crane lines.

Technical parameter	Unit	Typical value
Stiffness	kN	90-130
Hardness	Shore A	72-80
Electrical resistance	Ohm	≥ 1 × 10⁶
Tensile strength (before ageing)	MPa	≥ 12.5
Elongation (before ageing)	%	≥ 250

EVA pads

EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, typically about 80% polyethylene and 20% vinyl acetate) pads are lightweight and combine elasticity with plasticity. They are used on urban transit, medium-low speed and temporary lines where moderate damping is sufficient and installation convenience matters.

Technical parameter	Unit	Requirement	Typical value
Density	g/cm³	0.95-0.98	0.95
Tensile strength	MPa	≥ 15	16
Elongation	%	≥ 500	550
Melting point	°C	170-190	170
Insulation resistance	Ohm	≥ 1 × 10¹⁰	5.0 × 10¹⁰
Hardness	Shore A	≥ 90	92

HDPE pads

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pads are stiff, dimensionally stable and highly resistant to creep and moisture. They are used where a firm, stable support is needed, such as leveling applications and stiff fastening systems, and they also provide good electrical insulation.

Technical parameter	Unit	Requirement	Typical value
Density	g/cm³	0.95-0.98	0.95
Tensile strength	MPa	≥ 19	19
Elongation	%	≥ 80	150
Melting point	°C	170-190	190
Insulation resistance	Ohm	≥ 1 × 10¹⁰	3.5 × 10¹⁰
Hardness	Shore A	≥ 98	98

Leveling and adjustment pads

High-speed and precision track work needs more than a flat pad. Elastic leveling shims and height-adjustment pads correct small height differences between rail and sleeper so that the finished track meets its vertical geometry tolerance. They are produced in defined thickness steps, are stacked or selected to reach the required height, and share the same material quality as the main pads.

Selection guidance

Match the pad outline to the fastening system: E-clip systems and studded fastening systems use different pad footprints and shoulder clearances.

Select the stiffness class for the line: heavy-haul and crane lines need stiff, fatigue-resistant pads; metro and light rail favour softer, high-damping pads.

Check the insulation requirement whenever track circuits are used.

Use EVA for light and temporary track, rubber for demanding service, HDPE for stiff leveling applications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a rail pad and a leveling pad?

A rail pad provides elasticity, damping and insulation; a leveling pad (shim) corrects height differences. Both sit under the rail foot, and they are often used together in precision track.

Which pad material gives the best damping?

Rubber gives the best damping and fatigue life under heavy impact, which is why it is specified for high-speed, heavy-haul and crane lines.

Why are HDPE pads used instead of rubber?

HDPE offers very low creep, high stiffness and excellent moisture resistance. It is the right choice for leveling and stiff systems, but it does not provide rubber-grade damping.

Are EVA pads cheaper than rubber pads?

Generally yes, and they are lighter, which simplifies installation on light and temporary track. The trade-off is lower durability under heavy repeated impact.

How is pad stiffness specified?

Stiffness is specified by the fastening system as a stiffness class, verified by static and dynamic stiffness tests (for example EN 13146-3 practice) with the pad assembled in the system.

Do pads need to be replaced regularly?

Yes. Pads are a consumable component with a defined life; they are inspected and replaced at maintenance intervals before stiffness or insulation performance drifts out of specification.