A rail pad, also called rail rubber plate, is designed between the rail tie plate and foot of the rail, made by an elastic polyurethane mat, which is interposed between steel rails and tie sleepers to protect the sleeper top from wearing and impacting. Its defined stiffness is used to increase the elasticity of the superstructure of the ballast and reduce shock and vibration in the rail system. With such upgraded load distribution, it will lead to greater passenger comfort and less wearing onto the superstructure.
The Function of Rail Pad
- Distribute the load that the wheels pushed on the rails with a larger elastic surface.
- Reduce the noise and diminish the shock that trains hitting on the rails and improve the comfort of the passengers.
- The elasticity of rail pad can decrease the vibration that rails pass on the fasteners and the roadbed.
- The use of rail pad can decrease the abrasion of rails and prolong the service life of rail track and other rail fasteners.
3 Common Materials for Rail Pads
HDPE
| No. | Technical Parameter | Unit | Technical Requirement | Value |
| 1 | Density | g/cm3 | 0.95-0.98 | 0.95 |
| 2 | Tensile Strength | Mpa | ≥19 | 19 |
| 3 | Elongation | % | >80 | 150 |
| 4 | Melting Point | ℃ | 170-190 | 190 |
| 5 | Insulation Resistance | Ω | ≥1×1010 | 3.5 ×1010 |
| 6 | Hardness | A | ≥98 | 98(A) |
EVA: Polyethylene 80%, Vinyl Acetate 20%
| No. | Technical Parameter | Unit | Technical Requirement | Value |
| 1 | Density | g/cm3 | 0.95-0.98 | 0.95 |
| 2 | Tensile Strength | Mpa | ≥15 | 16 |
| 3 | Elongation | % | >500 | 550 |
| 4 | Melting Point | ℃ | 170-190 | 170 |
| 5 | Insulation Resistance | Ω | ≥1×1010 | 5.0 ×1010 |
| 6 | Hardness | A | ≥90 | 92(A) |
Rubber
| No. | Technical Parameter | Unit | Value |
| 1 | Stiffness | KN | 90-130 |
| 2 | Hardness Shore A | ℃ | 72-80degree |
| 3 | Electronic Resistance | Ω | ≥ 106 |
| 4 | Tensile Strength before Aging | Mpa | ≥12.5 |
| 5 | Elongation before Aging | % | ≥250 |
GNEE RAIL is a foreign trade enterprise specializing in the production of railway rail pads, mainly supplying domestic and foreign railway, subway and rail transit projects. We provide rail pads made of rubber, polyurethane and other materials. The products have good shock absorption, compression and weather resistance, and meet international standards such as EN and ASTM. GNEE RAIL has mature production technology and strict quality control system, supports customized specifications, and can provide relevant test reports and technical support. If you have any needs, please contact us to discuss cooperation.