Rail Pad is a functional track component made of elastic materials. Common materials include natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyurethane (PU), EVA, and composite elastic materials. Different materials correspond to different performance emphases: rubber offers superior vibration damping, polyurethane provides wear and aging resistance, and EVA is lightweight and cost-effective. The manufacturing process involves mixing, molding, vulcanization, and other steps, with strict control over Shore hardness (typically 55–75 Shore A) and elastic recovery rate (≥85%) to ensure no permanent deformation under long-term loads.
| Raw Material | Rubber, EVA, TPEE, HDPE |
| Standard | UIC, AREMA, TB/T2626-95 |
| Application | 43kg/m, 50kg/m, 60kg/m, 75kg/m,115RE, UIC54, UIC60, S49 |
| Model number | 43-7-7, 43-10-7, 50-7-9, 50-10-9, 60-10-17, 60-12-17 |
| Operating temperature | -50~70 degrees |
| Certificate | MSDS, ROHS, REACH |
| Notes | They should be stored in a clean, ventilated place. Don't be in direct sunlight, and keep away from the heat source and chemical reagent. Don't touch the oil, organic solvent, and other chemicals. Banned exposure. |
What are the key points for installing rail pads?
Key points for installing rail pads include proper environmental prep (clean, dry surfaces, correct temperature), correct placement ensuring full rail foot coverage with slight overhang, precise fastening torque for uniform compression (2-3mm on rubber tongues), and post-installation inspection for rail cant, extrusion, and secureness, all while using the right material for the specific track conditions (e.g., neoprene for coastal, EVA for light rail).
Pre-Installation & Preparation
Cleanliness: Ensure rail and sleeper surfaces are free of dirt, oil, and moisture; use a brush to remove debris.
Temperature: Install within specified ranges (e.g., rubber pads -10°C to 40°C, preheat below 0°C); avoid strong sunlight for compounding.
Material Selection: Choose pads (Rubber, EVA, HDPE) suited to environmental factors like salt spray or extreme cold.
Installation Steps
Positioning: Place the pad on the sleeper, then lower the rail, ensuring the pad extends slightly beyond the rail foot for full coverage.
Fastening: Insert clamps and spring washers, tightening nuts to specific torque values (e.g., 300-350 N·m for standard) for even compression.
Compression: Aim for about 2-3mm compression of the rubber pressure tongue.
Post-Installation Checks
Visual Inspection: Check for uniform pad extension and no extrusion (signaling rail tilt/cant).
Torque Verification: Confirm fasteners are tightened to standard torque to prevent loosening or damage.
Gap Sealing: Ensure no gaps exist that would allow water ingress and cause insulation failure.
Why is it necessary to use a railway pad?
It's necessary to use railway pads to protect infrastructure by distributing loads, absorbing shock, reducing vibration and noise, and preventing wear between the rail and sleeper, enhancing track stability, passenger comfort, and the lifespan of components, while also providing electrical insulation for signaling systems.
As a professional rail fastener manufacturer, GNEE RAIL can produce various types of rubber rail pads with different materials, such as natural rubber, EVA, HDPE and so on. In railway fastening system, rubber rail pads are often installed between the rail tracks and the concrete railway sleepers.
