Rubber rail pads, originally called sole plates or sole pads, are elastic polyurethane mats that are interposed between railway sleepers and steel rails. Their function of rubber rail pad is to reduce fatigue cracking of the concrete ties, which is believed to be driven by impact and vibration from the passing train. The starting stiffness of a rubber rail pad is designed to not be high so that their relative deformation under the elastic rail clip toe loads is greatly substantial. By this means, it can guarantee the rubber rail pad maintaining in close contact with the rail despite of any vertical movements of the latter. In addition, the reason why rubber rail pads made up of rubber or plastic is to dampen the shocks of vibration of a passing train.
What important role do railway pads play in the fastening system?
Railway pads are crucial in fastening systems for cushioning shock, reducing noise, distributing loads, and providing electrical insulation between rails and sleepers (ties), preventing wear, cracking, and instability, which significantly extends track life, lowers maintenance, and improves safety and passenger comfort. They act as a protective buffer against friction, absorbing vibration and impact from heavy trains, ensuring a smoother, safer, and quieter ride while protecting the concrete or wood beneath.
How do rail rubber pads work together with other rail fastening mechanisms?
Rail rubber pads work with fasteners like E-clips or SKL clips, tie plates, insulators, and screws to create a resilient interface, reducing vibration/noise, preventing wear, distributing load, and offering electrical isolation, acting as a crucial elastic layer between steel rail and sleeper to enhance system stability, comfort, and lifespan.
Working with Specific Systems:
- E-Type Systems: The pad works with E-clips, insulators, and shoulders to form a complete unit, providing insulation and vibration dampening.
- SKL Systems: Pads collaborate with SKL clips, screw spikes, and guide plates, contributing to elasticity for quiet running.
What are the components of a rail tie pad?
A rail tie pad is primarily an elastic mat placed between the rail and the tie plate, made from materials like rubber, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), or EVA, sometimes with added fillers or metal components, designed to absorb shock, reduce vibration, protect the sleeper, and improve load distribution for passenger comfort and track longevity.
| 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. |
GNEE RAIL 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.