What is the thickness of Rail Rubber Pads?

 

The thickness of rail rubber pads varies by application, but typically ranges from 4.5 mm to 20 mm. Standard pads can be between 4.5 mm and 10 mm, while thicker pads are used for heavy loads and cargo lines, with thicknesses extending up to 20 mm.

 

 

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

 

Common thickness ranges

 

• Standard/Thin pads: 4.5 mm to 6 mm

 

• Standard/Thick pads: 6 mm to 10 mm

 

• Fast trains: 8 mm to 12 mm

 

• City/Metro rails: 6 mm to 10 mm

 

• Cargo lines: 12 mm to 20 mm

 

• Other types: Some specialized or reinforced pads can have thicknesses ranging from 5 mm to 25 mm.

 

 

Factors affecting thickness

 

• Wheel load and train weight: Heavier loads and faster trains generally require thicker pads for better stress distribution and impact absorption.

 

• Application: The specific use case, such as a city metro line versus a heavy cargo line, determines the required pad thickness.

 

• Performance: Thicker pads provide more cushioning and vibration reduction, while thinner pads are used when a lower track profile is needed.

 

 

The Function of Rail Pads

 

• The function of rail pads in railway track systems is to provide a resilient layer between the rail and the baseplate to reduce noise, vibration, and wear and tear on the track system. Rail pads act as a cushioning effect that helps absorb the impact of passing trains, which can reach speeds of up to hundreds of kilometers per hour.

 

• Rail pads reduce vibration by absorbing the energy created by the impact of passing trains. The energy absorbed by the rail pads is then dissipated into the ground, reducing the amount of vibration transmitted to nearby structures and the surrounding environment. This reduction in vibration is essential for minimizing noise pollution and improving the safety and comfort of passengers.

 

 

• The benefits of using rail pads extend beyond reduced noise and vibration. Rail pads also help improve the longevity and durability of railway track systems, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacement. Additionally, rail pads can improve the ride quality for passengers, reducing discomfort and fatigue.

 

• Common materials used in the manufacturing of rail pads include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and composite materials. Natural rubber offers excellent durability and resilience, while synthetic rubber provides superior resistance to aging and weathering. Composite materials, such as fiberglass, provide a high strength-to-weight ratio and are highly resistant to impact and fatigue.

 

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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