Rail pads, originally called "sole" plates or pads, are used when rail is attached to concrete, rather than timber, ties or sleepers. Their function is to reduce fatigue cracking of the concrete ties, which is believed to be driven by impact and vibration from the passing train.
In which fields are rail pads commonly used?
Railway pads are used across various rail fields, from high-speed rail, heavy-haul lines, and urban transit (trams/subways) to specialized industrial railways (like mines), primarily for vibration dampening, noise reduction, extending track life, and providing electrical insulation for signaling systems, benefiting passenger comfort and infrastructure integrity.
What precautions should be taken when using rail pads in different application fields?
When using rail pads, precautions involve ensuring clean, flat installation surfaces, matching the pad to the rail/fastener system, avoiding chemicals/sunlight, regular inspection for wear (cracks, compression), prompt replacement, and verifying proper fit to prevent misalignment, noise, and component failure, especially important in urban or electrified tracks where vibration/electrical issues are critical.
Application-Specific Considerations
- Urban/Subway: Focus on noise/vibration reduction; thicker pads offer more damping but check clearance.
- Electrified Lines: Check for electrical leakage and ensure bonding isn't disturbed; follow specific "permit-to-work" rules.
- Bridge Tracks: Support unloaded panels on sleepers outside the track to prevent sagging.
What is the thickness of a rail elastic pad?
Rail elastic pad thickness varies significantly by application, generally ranging from 5mm to 20mm, with common thicknesses being 6-7mm for standard lines, thicker pads like 9-12mm for high-speed rail to reduce vibration, and thinner, stiffer pads (around 5-6mm of EVA/HDPE) for heavy haul to prevent excessive compression. Thicker pads offer more cushioning, while thinner ones maintain a lower track profile.
Rail pad materials from GNEE RAIL
GNEE RAIL 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. |
As a professional rubber rail pad manufacturer GNEE RAIL can produce various standards of rubber rail pads and other rail fasteners. If you want to build a railway line, do not hesitate to contact us, we can supply all types of rubber rail pads with different materials. If necessary, we can make customized rubber rail pad production.