Which rail pad material is best?
One of the most frequent questions in railway engineering procurement is: Which rail pad material is best? The honest answer is that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. The performance of a Rail Pad depends entirely on the operational environment, axle loads, and vibration damping requirements. Choosing the right material is crucial for optimizing the lifecycle cost of the track.
1. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): The Heavy Haul Champion
For heavy-haul freight lines or industrial tracks where high stiffness is required, the HDPE Pad is often the preferred choice. This type of Railroad Pad is rigid and durable. It resists deformation under immense vertical loads, preventing rail tilting. While it offers less elasticity than rubber, its wear resistance and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for low-speed, high-load applications.
| 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) |
2. Rubber (Natural/Synthetic): Essential for High Speed & Transit
When passenger comfort and vibration attenuation are priorities, such as in High-Speed Rail or Metro systems, a Rail Rubber Pad is the superior option. These Rail Elastic Pads are formulated from high-quality natural or synthetic rubber compounds to provide excellent resilience. They absorb dynamic shocks, protecting concrete sleepers from cracking. Similarly, advanced Under Sleeper Pads often utilize these materials to further dampen noise and vibration.
| 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 |
3. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): The Balanced Performer
EVA offers a middle ground between the rigidity of plastic and the flexibility of rubber. An EVA Railway Pad provides moderate damping and good durability, making it a popular choice for mixed-traffic lines where both freight and passenger trains operate.
| 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) |
Material Expertise at GNEE RAIL
At GNEE RAIL, we don't just sell parts; we provide engineered solutions. We manufacture a complete range of Track Pads complying with international standards like AREMA, UIC, and DIN.
Whether your project specifications call for the rigidity of HDPE or the high-damping properties of a grooved Rubber Track Pad, our team ensures the material formulation meets your exact needs for UV resistance, oil resistance, and stiffness. Contact GNEE RAIL today to discuss which material is best suited for your specific railway infrastructure.