How Rail Pads Work
Rail pads, originally called sole plates, are elastic mats assembled between steel rails and rail sleepers to protect the sleeper top from wearing and impacting. The starting stiffness of rail pads is designed not to be high so that their relative deformation under the spring clip toe loads is substantial. This mechanism guarantees the rail pad maintains close contact with the rail despite any vertical movements of the latter, absorbing the impact and distributing the load.
High-Elastic Grooved Pads
High-elastic grooved EVA, HDPE and rubber rail pads are produced with high elasticity, applying to rails such as UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs and BS100lbs, and sizes as ordered. The pads can be customized with or without grooves, in various possible designs, depending on customer requirements. The grooved surface provides a controlled load-deflection characteristic that helps manage the bending stress of the rail.
Rubber Rail Pads for Concrete Sleepers
The rubber rail pad for concrete sleepers is specified by its material, standard and application. The pads suit 43 kg/m, 50 kg/m, 60 kg/m and 75 kg/m rails, with models such as 43-7-7, 43-10-7, 50-7-9, 50-10-9, 60-10-17 and 60-12-17. The operating temperature range is minus 50 to plus 70 degrees, and the pads are produced under a certified quality system. They should be stored in a clean, ventilated place, not under direct sunlight, and kept away from heat sources and chemical reagents.
Pads for Specific Fastening Systems
Rail pads are produced for the E-type rail fastening system and the SKL rail fastening system, with the pad geometry matched to the fastening components. The pad for each system is designed to work with the clip toe load and the rail seat of the system, and the pad specification is defined by the fastening standard. The correct pad ensures the fastening system delivers its designed clamping force and elasticity.
Custom Production and Selection Considerations
Customized production of rail pads is available according to drawings or samples. The pad material, dimensions, groove design and hardness can be tailored to the specific application, and the samples are qualified before mass production. Custom pads are produced for special rail sections, unusual track structures and specific environmental requirements.
Select the rail pad type by the rail section, the fastening system, the sleeper type and the service environment. Rubber pads provide balanced elasticity for general service, EVA pads provide high elasticity for vibration-sensitive sections, and HDPE pads provide high durability and insulation for demanding service. The pad model is matched to the rail section and the fastening system, and the storage and handling requirements are followed to preserve the pad properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of a rail pad? Rail pads, originally called sole plates, are elastic mats assembled between steel rails and rail sleepers to protect the sleeper top from wear and impact and to maintain close contact with the rail. The starting stiffness is designed to match the fastening system.
What are the main pad materials? EVA, HDPE and rubber are the main pad materials. High-elastic grooved pads in EVA, HDPE and rubber are produced with high elasticity for demanding service conditions.
What rails do high-elastic grooved pads suit? They apply to rails such as UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs and BS100lbs, and other sections as ordered. The pads can be customized with grooves, logos and sizes according to the requirement.
What is the operating temperature range? The standard rubber pad operates from minus 50 to plus 70 degrees. Pads are also produced for the E-type rail fastening system and the SKL rail fastening system, with the pad geometry matched to the fastening components.
How are pads stored and selected? Pads should be stored in a clean, ventilated place, away from sunlight, heat and chemicals. The pad type is selected by the rail section, the fastening system, the sleeper type and the service environment.
