The Rail Pad is an essential elastic component installed between the base of the rail and the sleeper. Its primary functions are to dampen vibrations, reduce noise, distribute pressure, and extend the service life of the track system. The benefits of using rail pads are manifested not only in smoother operation and environmental protection but also directly impact the overall safety and economic efficiency of the railway fastening system.
Firstly, rail pads significantly reduce vibration and noise. During train operation, the rail is subjected to cyclical impact and lateral loads. Without a pad, these impact forces would be transmitted directly to the sleeper and ballast, leading to structural loosening and noise generation. Pads made from rubber, EVA, TPU, or composite materials can absorb and disperse this impact energy, effectively reducing the transmission of vibrations downward, protecting the line-side environment, and enhancing passenger comfort.
| 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) |
HDPE
| 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) |
Rubber
| 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 |
Secondly, rail pads extend the service life of both sleepers and rails. They form a uniform cushioning layer between the rail and the sleeper, preventing localized stress concentration and mitigating the risk of sleeper abrasion and cracking. For heavy-haul and high-speed railways, pads with optimized thickness and hardness also help maintain track geometry stability, reduce rail fatigue and ballast deformation, thereby lowering maintenance costs.
Furthermore, rail pads enhance the overall stability of the track. When working in coordination with other fastening system components such as the Rail Tie Plate, Rail Clip, Fishplate, Screw Spike, and high-strength Rail Bolt, the rail pad ensures proper fitting between the rail and the sleeper, prevents rail creep, maintains gauge accuracy, and provides necessary elastic compensation during temperature variations.
GNEE RAIL supplies rail pads made from rubber, EVA, HDPE, and various composite materials, suitable for high-speed railways, heavy-haul railways, industrial tracks, and urban light rail projects. Contact us for more product information.
