What Are the Primary Functions of Rail Pads?

 

Rail pads are elastic polyurethane mats which are interposed between steel rails and railway sleepers to protect the sleeper top from wearing and impacting.

 

The starting stiffness of a rail pad is designed to not be high so that their relative deformation under the spring clip toe loads is greatly substantial. In this way, it can guarantees the rail pad maintaining in close contact with the rail despite of any vertical movements of the latter. In addition, the reason why rail pads made up of rubber or plastic is to dampen the shocks of vibration of a passing train.

 

 

The Primary Functions of Rail Pads

Rail pads play a role in the smooth operation and durability of railway systems by serving various important functions that help improve the efficiency and longevity of rail operations. Having an understanding of these functions is essential for professionals working in the industry to maximize the performance of railway infrastructure.

 

• Vibration Reduction

Rail pads serve a role in mitigating the vibrations produced by moving trains on railway tracks to prevent potential structural harm over time if left unaddressed. The primary function of rail pads is to act as a buffer between the rail and the sleeper to absorb and disperse energy effectively, reducing the effects of vibrations on the overall track infrastructure.

 

 

• Noise Mitigation

Railway noise is an issue in cities especially because of the loud sounds produced by trains moving on tracks. Rail pads are important for reducing this noise as they help absorb and dampen the sounds made by train wheels on the tracks. These rail pads work by utilizing their material properties to soak up waves and limit how much noise travels through the track system.

 

• Load Distribution

Rail pads also play a role in evenly distributing loads on railway sleepers to avoid concentrated stress points that may cause track deformation or failure by ensuring a consistent surface for load transfer. This even distribution of weight helps in preserving the integrity of the railway system during different operational scenarios.

 

 

A range of high-performance elastic rail pads have been developed for stiffness requirements and various application areas-from trams through standard gauge railways to heavy haul lines, this especially suitable for E-type rail fastening systems and SKL-type rail fastening system with material of HDPE/EVA/Rubber, the following parameters for reference.

 

 

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)

 

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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