Rail pad, is a rail rubber plate between the rail tie plate and foot of the rail, made of elastic polyurethane, which is interposed between steel rails and sleepers to reduce friction and impact. Rail pads are fastened within a fastening system by screw spikes or rail bolts into the sleeper ties. It is designed to increase the elasticity of the superstructure, reduce shock and vibration in the rail system. Rail pad is made up of rubber or plastic is to dampen the shocks and vibration effecting on the train and track. Usually starting with setting a low stiffness in order to make spring clip has a larger relative deformation, which can guarantees the rail pad maintaining in close contact with the rail, make the rail pad play a better role.
How to use a rail pad correctly?
Using a rail pad correctly involves precise placement between the rail and sleeper/baseplate, ensuring it's centered and fully covered by the rail foot for even load distribution, proper securement with correct torque, and regular inspection for wear to dampen vibration and protect the track structure.
- Preparation: Ensure the track bed and sleeper are clean and prepared.
- Placement: Position the rubber/polyurethane pad directly onto the sleeper's rail seat, aligning it perfectly with where the rail base will sit.
- Rail Placement: Lower the steel rail onto the pad, ensuring it sits squarely.
- Fastening: Secure the rail to the baseplate and sleeper using fasteners (bolts, clips).
- Torque: Tighten fasteners to specified torque (e.g., 300-350 N·m for standard rail, higher for high-speed) to ensure uniform compression and prevent loosening.
- Inspection: Visually check that the pad extends slightly beyond the rail foot for full coverage and that there's no tilting or extrusion; check for warping and perform secondary tightening within 24 hours.
Why are railroad pads required in railway?
Railroad pads are essential in railways to cushion the impact and vibration from trains, protecting concrete sleepers from cracking, reducing noise, preventing wear, and providing critical electrical insulation for signaling systems. Placed between the rail and sleeper, these elastic pads distribute load, enhance track elasticity, and extend the life of the entire track structure by absorbing shock and preventing damage.
GNEE RAIL provides exceptional elastic rail pads of various types for high-speed railways, normal-speed railways, and cranes. Especially the rail pads made of rubber, EVA, TPEE, and HDPE are very popular with customers. Our railway rubber pads fit the rails such as UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs, BS100lbs, etc. We have more than 130set of machines in our production lines which can reach an annual production capacity of up to 2000, 000 pieces of rail pads. We offer a wide range of rail pads and other track materials at competitive prices.
| 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. |