Rail Pad is a track cushioning component with drainage and ventilation functions. Some models feature micron-level drainage grooves and ventilation holes on the sides or bottom, allowing rapid drainage of track water and reducing moisture retention. This prevents the pad from aging and cracking due to prolonged immersion and inhibits mold growth that could affect material performance. It is especially suitable for rainy, humid regions or underground rail transit lines.
How to select rail pads for heavy-haul railways?
Selecting rail pads for heavy-haul railways requires focusing on high load capacity, durability, and stability, typically using stiffer, thicker materials like high-density rubber or polyurethane, sometimes with metal reinforcement, to handle massive axle loads and impact, ensuring high stiffness for gauge stability (not just damping), and matching material properties to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions for long service life.
For Very Heavy Loads (e.g., Mining): Opt for rigid HDPE or rubber-metal pads for maximum stiffness and load support.
| 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) |
For General Heavy Haul (≥25t Axle Load): Thick, high-density rubber pads (15-20mm) provide essential cushioning and durability.
Specialized Needs: Select specific materials (like HNBR or polyurethane) for extreme temperatures or use flame-retardant pads for tunnels.
| 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 |
Rail Pad Function in Railway Fastening System
The raid pad prevents 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, their deformations under the springs toe loads is quite substantial. This special design keeps the rail pad remains in intimate contact with the rail despite any vertical movements of the latter.
When the wheel is over the pad, the latter's stiffness must prevent large movements, so as to prevent metal spring becoming loose. Such a load-deflection characteristic can be obtained by introducing grooves in the rubber rail pads. Rubber pad or grooved rubber rail pad are made up of rubber or plastic to dampen the shocks of vibrations of a passing train.
GNEE RAIL provides exceptional elastic rail pads of various types for high-speed railways, normal-speed railways, and cranes. Especially the rail pads made of rubber, EVA, TPEE, and HDPE are very popular with customers. Our railway rubber pads fit the rails such as UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs, BS100lbs, etc. We have more than 130set of machines in our production lines which can reach an annual production capacity of up to 2000, 000 pieces of rail pads. We offer a wide range of rail pads and other track materials at competitive prices.
