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 is the function of a rail elastic pad?
It is thought that the rubber rail pads act in two main ways: they diminish shock or impact loads by providing compliance, and they can reduce (by isolation and perhaps by damping) resonant vibrations excited in the concrete ties (lowest resonant frequency about 200 Hz) and accommodate vibration deflections in the rail sections between the ties (about 0.12mm amplitude, 1000 Hz). In addition, rubber rail pads can prevent rail sleeper abrasion, and crushing of the sleeper under the rail foot.
Can rail pads be compatible with different rail fastening systems?
No, rail pads are generally not universally compatible; they must be precisely matched to both the specific rail profile (like UIC60) and the particular fastening system (like E-Clip, SKL, Nabla) for proper fit, function, and safety, as incompatible pads can lead to loose clips, premature wear, and improper clamping force. While some pads offer versatility (e.g., "Type V"), true compatibility requires matching dimensions and design features like horns or locating tabs to the fastening hardware.
Key Compatibility Factors:
- Rail Section: The pad must match the exact width of the rail's foot to prevent exposure or interference.
- Fastening System: Different systems (e.g., E-Clip, SKL, Nabla) have unique clip designs that require specific pad shapes, including tabs or horns, for correct engagement and toe load.
- Stiffness: Beyond fit, the pad's stiffness (static/dynamic) must suit the track's performance needs, and this is system-dependent.
How does the railway pad work?
Railway pads work as elastic cushions between rails and sleepers, absorbing shock, dampening vibrations, distributing heavy loads, preventing wear and abrasion, and reducing noise for a smoother, safer, and longer-lasting track system. They achieve this by deforming under load, allowing controlled movement, and isolating direct metal-to-metal contact, protecting the track components from the constant impact of passing trains.
- Material: Typically made from elastic materials like polyurethane or rubber.
| Raw Material | Rubber, EVA, TPEE, HDPE |
| Standard | UIC, AREMA, TB/T2626-95 |
| Application | 43kg/m, 50kg/m, 60kg/m, 75kg/m,115RE, UIC54, UIC60, S49 |
| Model number | 43-7-7, 43-10-7, 50-7-9, 50-10-9, 60-10-17, 60-12-17 |
| Operating temperature | -50~70 degrees |
| Certificate | MSDS, ROHS, REACH |
| Notes | They should be stored in a clean, ventilated place. Don't be in direct sunlight, and keep away from the heat source and chemical reagent. Don't touch the oil, organic solvent, and other chemicals. Banned exposure. |
- Load-Deflection: Designed with specific stiffness characteristics – low initial stiffness for compliance and higher stiffness under wheel loads to prevent excessive movement.
- Grooves: Often incorporate grooves to achieve the desired load-deflection properties, allowing for controlled deformation.
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. In railway fastening system, rubber rail pads are often installed between the rail tracks and the concrete railway sleepers.