What do you know about Rail Pad in railway？

 

A rail pad is a component placed between the rail and sleeper (tie) in a railway track to distribute load, cushion impact, and reduce noise and vibration from passing trains. These pads, typically made of rubber or composite materials, protect the track structure from wear and fatigue, extend the life of components, and improve passenger comfort.

 

 

Function and benefits

 

• Load distribution: Rail pads spread the concentrated weight of the train over a larger surface area of the sleeper, reducing stress on the track components.

 

• Vibration and noise reduction: They act as a shock absorber, dampening vibrations and noise generated by the train's movement, which is particularly important in urban areas.

 

• Wear and fatigue reduction: By absorbing impact, they minimize wear on the rails and sleepers, which helps prevent fatigue cracking in concrete sleepers and extends the overall lifespan of the track.

 

• Electrical insulation: In electrified rail systems, they can provide an electrical insulation function, which is crucial for safety.

 

• Seal and protection: They can help seal the area between the rail base and the support, preventing the ingress of dirt and water.

 

 

Materials

 

• Natural rubber: Durable and resilient, suitable for high-speed applications.

 

• Synthetic rubber: Offers superior resistance to aging and weathering.

 

• Composite materials: Provide a high strength-to-weight ratio.

 

• Other materials: Polyurethane, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), EVA, and Chloroprene rubber are also used.

 

 

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)

 

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)

 

Key features

 

 

• Shock resistance: Strong ability to absorb shock from dynamic forces.

 

• Wear resistance: Resist abrasion from the constant pressure of train wheels.

 

• Good insulation: Provide electrical insulation where needed.

 

• Long service life: Designed to withstand the harsh conditions of railway environments.

 

• Elasticity: Provide some elasticity to the track while maintaining stability and stability.

 

 

Rail Pads production process

 

• Rubber compound preparation

 

• Mixed by an internal mixer or a two-roll mill. In terms of the internal mixer, the raw materials are processed by single or double stage, during which the masterbatch prepared ahead of time is finalized by adding curing agents to the twin roll mill.

 

• Shaping and curing

 

• Compression or Injection molding

 

• End products trimming

 

• Ready for use

 

 

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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