What are the technical specifications of the rubber railroad pad?

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

 

What are the technical specifications of the rubber railroad pad?

 

Rubber railroad pad specs vary but focus on material (rubber/polyurethane), dimensions (thickness 4.5-60mm, customizable), hardness, elasticity, and performance under load, resisting extreme temperatures (-50°C to 100°C) and aging to provide vibration dampening, noise reduction, and electrical isolation for concrete/wooden sleepers.

 

Typical Properties:

 

 

• Functions: Reduces vibration/noise, prevents concrete sleeper cracking, provides electrical insulation, extends track life.

 

• Application: Used with wooden, concrete sleepers for light rail, heavy haul, cargo lines, subway systems.

 

• Design: Can be grooved (grooved pads) or plain, depending on fastening system needs.

 

 

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

 

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)

 

How does tensile strength affect rail pads?

 

Tensile strength is crucial for rail pads because it determines their ability to resist stretching, tearing, and breaking under the immense pulling (tensile) forces from rail movement, thermal expansion/contraction, and vibration, preventing premature failure, ensuring durability, and maintaining consistent load distribution, which protects the sleeper from damage and maintains track stability, especially in curves where stresses are higher. Higher tensile strength means the pad can endure more strain before failing, reducing maintenance and preventing catastrophic joint failures.

 

 

How does Hardness affect rail pads?

 

Rail pad hardness is crucial for performance, as moderate hardness (Shore 60-70) provides the best cushioning and vibration dampening, while pads that are too hard transmit vibration and damage components, and pads that are too soft cause excessive compression, rail sinking, and premature failure. The ideal hardness depends on the rail line (heavy-haul needs harder, urban needs softer) to balance shock absorption, noise reduction, and durability, ensuring load distribution and protecting sleepers.

 

GNEE RAIL is equipped with rail pad production lines for 130sets of machines, for the whole process of injection, refining rubber, sulfuration, moulding and inspection, etc. We own the most engineers for rail pad development, design, production and inspection, with annual production capacity reaching up to 2000, 000 pieces. What's more, rail pads for high speed rail lines are our featured products, including both the elastic rubber plates and height adjustment pads.

 

 

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