How to differentiate and select the most suitable Rail Pad material?
Rail pads can prevent rail sleeper abrasion and the crushing of the sleeper under the rail foot. Rubber rail pads are normally designed to a specified load-deflection characteristic. The initial stiffness of the rail pad is designed to be low so that that their deformations under the springs toe loads is quite substantial. This ensures that the rail pad remains in intimate contact with the rail despite any vertical movements of the latter.
To choose the best rail pad, differentiate materials by performance needs: Natural Rubber for high-speed comfort (vibration damping),
Polyurethane (PU) for extreme weather/heavy loads (durability), EPDM for weather resistance, or Composites (rubber/HDPE) for balanced cushioning/wear, then match to application factors like speed, load, environment (temp, humidity, chemicals) and desired service life, ensuring proper thickness for load and vibration reduction goals.
Material Differentiation
Natural Rubber (NR):
- Pros: Excellent elasticity, high-frequency vibration absorption, great comfort/damping for high speeds.
- Cons: Poor aging/weather resistance, shorter life (5-8 yrs).
- Best For: High-speed lines, urban transit (comfort focus).
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR):
- Pros: Better aging/wear resistance than natural rubber.
- Best For: General use, diverse climates.
EPDM:
- Pros: Superior weather/UV/chemical resistance, good for extreme climates.
- Best For: Harsh conditions, ballastless tracks.
Polyurethane (PU):
- Pros: Excellent resistance to moisture, temp extremes (-40°C to 80°C), abrasion, tear; low water absorption.
- Best For: Harsh, humid, or extreme temp environments; heavy haul, high-speed lines (durability focus).
Composite (Rubber/HDPE):
- Pros: Balances rubber cushioning (top layer) with HDPE wear resistance (bottom layer).
- Best For: Mixed traffic lines (passenger/freight) needing both damping and durability.
| 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 |
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):
- Pros: High rigidity, excellent wear/corrosion resistance, very long life (10-15 yrs).
- Cons: Weak cushioning.
- Best For: Freight lines, industrial/mine tracks (low maintenance focus).
| 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) |
Rail pad functions
A rail rubber pad is essential in reducing shock and vibration in a rail system. The pad laid under the rail to ensure:
Load distribution over a larger surface
Elimination of load concentration and the resultant fatigue stresses
Centering of loads on the supporting element
Absorption of uneven contact surfaces between rail and support
Reduction of noise and vibration
Sealing between the bottom of the rail and the top of the support
Reduction of wear of the rail and its support
As a professional manufacturer of rail fasteners, GNEE RAIL is able to produce rail pads of various rail pads, such as UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs, BS100lbs and so on. In addition, we can offer custom-made track pads according to drawings or samples.
GNEE RAIL rail pad parameter values
| Shore | 75±5 |
|---|---|
| Maximum Tensile Strength |
12,7N/mm2 |
| Elongation | 255% (200% after aging) |
| Working Temperature |
-30℃ ~ +110℃ |
| Vibration Reduction |
45% ~ 50% |
| Noise Reduction |
12% |
| Permanent Set | ＜5% (＜20% after aging) |
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.
