Do Check Rails Require Special Rubber Pads?
In railway infrastructure, specifically within turnouts (switches) and sharp curves, there is a critical safety component known as the Check Rail (or Guard Rail). While much attention is given to the pads under the main running rails, the Rail Rubber Pad installed beneath the check rail is equally vital for operational safety.
What is a Check Rail Pad?
A check rail is an additional rail placed parallel to the inside of the running rail. Its primary function is to guide the wheel flange, preventing derailment as the train navigates switches or tight radiuses.
Consequently, the Check Rail Rubber Pad is the elastic layer situated between this guard rail and the sleeper. Unlike a standard Railroad Pad designed primarily for vertical loads, this component has a unique engineering purpose.
Why Are They Critical?
- Resisting Lateral Shear Forces: While running rails primarily handle vertical weight, check rails endure immense lateral (side-to-side) impact from the wheel flanges. Therefore, the Rail Elastic Pad used here must possess superior shear resistance and a high friction coefficient to prevent the check rail from shifting position.
- Protecting the Switch Structure: Turnouts are the most expensive parts of a railway track to maintain. A high-quality Railway Pad acts as a buffer, absorbing the lateral shockwaves and protecting the specialized switch sleepers from cracking or abrasion.
Material and Design Specifics
Due to the unique stress environment, pads for check rails often differ from standard Rail Track Pads:
- Stiffness: Engineers often prefer stiffer materials, such as HDPE Pads or reinforced rubber compounds, to ensure the gauge width remains rigid under lateral pressure.
| 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) |
- Custom Dimensions: Check rail pads are rarely "off-the-shelf." They are custom-manufactured to fit specific turnout geometries (e.g., UIC60, 115RE switches), often requiring unique lengths and hole patterns compared to standard pads.
GNEE RAIL: Your Partner for Turnout Components
Sourcing components for switches and crossings can be complex due to the variety of parts involved. GNEE RAIL simplifies this process. We supply not only standard rail pads but also specialized Check Rail Pads and turnout fastening systems.
Our products are tested for high abrasion resistance and UV stability, ensuring longevity even in high-stress turnout zones. Whether you need a standard Rubber Pad or a custom-molded solution for a specific guard rail assembly, contact GNEE RAIL today for professional support and competitive pricing.