The rail pad, also known as bottom plate, is an elastic polyurethane pad assembled between the rails and sleeper to protect the top of the sleeper from wear and impact. The initial stiffness of the rail pad is not so high that the deformation of the rails under the load of the spring is very large. This mechanism ensures that the rail pad moves as close as possible to realize close contact with the track.
What are the differences in function between a railway pad and a rail elastic clip?
A railway pad and an elastic rail clip work together in a fastening system, but the clip provides the clamping force to hold the rail down (toe load), preventing movement, while the pad acts as a cushion between the rail and sleeper, reducing vibration, noise, and protecting the sleeper from impact and wear, also managing load distribution. Think of the clip as the strong arm securing the track and the pad as the shock absorber and protector.
Rail Elastic Clip Function
- Clamping Force: Generates significant force (toe load) to press the rail firmly onto the sleeper.
- Stability: Prevents the rail from lifting, shifting laterally, or warping due to train loads and thermal expansion/contraction.
- Resilience: Its elastic design absorbs shock and impact energy, reducing noise and vibration.
Rail Pad Function
- Cushioning: Acts as a shock absorber, reducing vibration and noise transmission.
- Load Distribution: Spreads the heavy wheel loads over a larger area of the concrete sleeper, preventing localized damage.
- Protection: Protects the sleeper (especially concrete ones) from impact, wear, and cracking.
- Electrical Insulation (Optional): Some pads, or insulators used with them, also provide electrical isolation between the rail and sleeper.
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.
| 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. |
What are the advantages of using a rail pad?
Rail pads offer key advantages like shock absorption, noise/vibration reduction, improved load distribution, and extended track life by cushioning impacts, dampening vibrations, spreading heavy wheel loads over larger areas, and reducing wear on rails and sleepers, leading to lower maintenance costs and greater stability for the entire railway system. They also provide electrical insulation, enhancing safety in electrified lines, and improve ride quality and transport capacity.
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.