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.
What is the difference between a rail pad and a rail tie plate?
A rail tie plate (or base plate) is a stiff steel plate under the rail that spreads load and holds the rail in gauge, while a rail pad (or rubber pad) is an elastic component placed between the tie plate and the rail (especially on concrete sleepers) to absorb shock, dampen vibration, reduce noise, and protect the sleeper from wear and fatigue cracking. Essentially, the tie plate provides structural support and gauge, and the rail pad adds elastic cushioning and protection on top of it.
Rail Tie Plate
- Material: Steel.
- Function: Spreads wheel loads over a larger sleeper area, prevents rail from cutting into the tie, maintains correct rail gauge, and provides a flat surface for the rail.
- Location: Directly under the rail, resting on the sleeper.
- Key Feature: Has shoulders (or not) and holes for spikes/bolts; provides a rigid base.
Rail Pad (Rubber Pad)
- Material: Elastic polyurethane or rubber.
| 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. |
- Function: Absorbs impact, reduces vibration and noise, distributes load, protects the sleeper (especially concrete) from abrasion and fatigue, and can provide electrical insulation.
- Location: Between the steel rail and the top of the tie plate (or directly on the sleeper if no plate).
- Key Feature: Elasticity and shock absorption.
Can a railway tie plate be used instead of a rail rubber pad?
No, a railway tie plate cannot fully replace a rail rubber pad because they have different primary functions: tie plates provide structural support, maintain gauge, and distribute load (heavy steel), while rubber pads add crucial elasticity, absorb shock/vibration, reduce noise, and protect sleepers from wear (elastic material), often sitting between the tie plate and the rail or sleeper. Using only a tie plate (or just a pad) misses key benefits, leading to increased wear, rougher ride, and potential signaling issues.
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.