A rail pad, also named rail rubber plate, is usually used between tie plates and sleepers or between rails and tie plate. The rail pad is made of elastic polyurethane mat and usually used on concrete sleepers. The rail pad can protect the concrete sleeper from abrasion and impaction, and it can also decrease the vibration from the passing train. It is believed that rail pad functions in two ways: diminish shock and distribute load. The thickness of our rail pads ranges from 5mm to 25mm,but usually the height should not to be so high in case the movement relative to the rails.
Why is HDPE used to manufacture railroad pads?
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is used for railroad pads, especially on heavy-haul lines, because it provides high stiffness to prevent rail rollover, resists abrasion between steel rails and concrete ties, offers excellent durability, chemical/water resistance, and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining precise track gauge under heavy loads, acting more as a rigid shield than a shock absorber compared to rubber.
| 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) |
What is the hardness of the HDPE rail pad?
HDPE rail pads typically have a high hardness, often specified around ≥98A (Shore A), providing necessary stiffness while remaining resilient to protect sleepers from rail abrasion and impact, though some variations exist depending on formulation. This hardness ensures good load distribution, preventing sleeper damage and reducing vibration, balancing strength with required elasticity for railway applications.
Comparison with Other Materials :
- Rubber Rail Pads: Often softer, with hardness values around 72-80 degrees (Shore A) and lower stiffness (90-130 KN).
| 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 |
- EVA Rail Pads: A blend, sometimes specified with hardness around 90A, providing a balance between HDPE's rigidity and rubber's elasticity.
| 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) |
What is the function of a rail pad?
A rail pad's main job is to act as a cushion between the rail and the sleeper (tie), protecting the track structure by reducing vibration, dampening impact, spreading the heavy load from trains, and preventing wear, which increases component lifespan, improves passenger comfort, and lowers maintenance needs.
Our EVA/HDPE/rubber rail pads are with high elasticity, applying to types for rails such as rail UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs,BS100lbs, and sizes as ordered. The pads can be customized with or without grooves, in various possible designs, depending on customers' requirements.