types of rail pad in railway
Rail pads in railways are categorized by material (rubber, EVA, HDPE, EPDM, composite) and design (grooved, studded, square), acting as buffers between the rail and sleeper to absorb shock, reduce noise/vibration, distribute load, prevent wear, and enhance electrical insulation, vital for different systems like E-type, SKL, and crane rails.
Types by Material
- Rubber Pads: Natural, SBR, Chloroprene (Neoprene) for excellent shock absorption, durability, and flexibility.
| 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 (High-Density Polyethylene): Offers good pressure resistance, abrasion resistance, and insulation.
| 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 (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate): Known for impact buffering, increasing friction, and elasticity.
| 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) |
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Used for its weather and aging resistance.
- Composite Pads: Combinations of materials for enhanced performance, like grooved composite sole plates.
Types by Design/Application
- Grooved Pads: Have grooves to fit specific rail profiles, providing better impact attenuation and life.
- Studded Pads: Feature studs for increased grip and durability in demanding conditions.
- Square Pads: Basic square shapes for general applications, often in quick-draw systems.
- Continuous & Discontinuous Pads: Used for different structural sole plate designs, especially for crane rails.
Common Systems Supported
Rail pads are designed for specific fastening systems, including E-type, SKL, KPO, and others, to match the rail profile and track requirements.
Rail pads for E-type rail fastening systems
Rail rubber pads used for E-type rail fastening systems are with the similar functions of the rail insulators to insulate the rail above it from the tie sleepers lied below it, for effective protection against vibration and structure-borne noise as well. The rail pad works together with e-clips, rail insulators/insulated gauge blocks and rail shoulders/embedded parts to form a whole set of E-type rail fastening system.
Rail pads for SKL rail fastening systems
A rail pad in a SKL rail fastening system is a small but crucial fastener part, working together with SKL clips, screw spikes, plastic dowels, guide plates and so on. The elastic rail pads we produce possess a defined stiffness and demonstrably increase the elasticity of the track superstructure. With a higher level of elasticity, it contributes towards quiet running of the rolling stock, to meet today's acoustic requirements on railway lines.
GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly.