Why is the Selection of Rail Pads Crucial?

 

The selection of rail pads is crucial because they are vital for maintaining track stability, reducing noise and vibration, and preventing premature wear of the track infrastructure. Properly chosen pads improve passenger comfort, protect the track from damage, lower maintenance costs, and contribute to the overall safety and longevity of the railway system.

 

 

Benefits of choosing the right rail pad

 

• Vibration and noise reduction: Rail pads absorb vibrations and cushion the impact from passing trains, which significantly reduces noise for nearby communities and improves passenger comfort.

 

• Protection of track components: By absorbing and spreading the enormous forces from trains, the pads prevent excessive stress on the rails and sleepers, which stops them from wearing out prematurely.

 

 

• Improved stability: Rail pads are an essential component for solidifying the connection between the rail and the sleeper, providing structural support and maintaining overall track stability.

 

• Increased lifespan and lower maintenance costs: By protecting the track from wear and tear, the right pads extend the life of the rails and sleepers, which leads to lower maintenance and replacement costs over time.

 

• Adaptability to specific needs: The selection of rail pads is crucial because their performance depends on factors like train speed, load capacity, and environmental conditions. Choosing the correct thickness, hardness, and material ensures optimal performance for a specific railway line.

 

Rail pad materials

 

We have developed a range of high-performance elastic rail pads for stiffness requirements and various application areas-from trams through standard gauge railways to heavy haul lines, especially those for E-type rail fastening systems and SKL type rail fastening systems with material of HDPE/EVA/Rubber, with following properties respectively.

 

 

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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