What Is a Grooved Rubber Rail Pad
A grooved rubber rail pad is a rail pad with grooves on its surface, installed between the rail and the sleeper to provide elasticity and protect the track structure. The grooved surface provides a controlled load-deflection characteristic that helps manage the bending stress of the rail and improves the contact between the pad and the rail base. The pad is produced in rubber, EVA and HDPE versions, each with its own specification.
The Rubber Rail Pad Specification
The rubber rail pad is specified by its stiffness, hardness, electrical resistance and mechanical properties. The stiffness is in the range of 90 to 130 kN, the Shore A hardness is 72 to 80 degrees, and the electrical resistance is at least 10 to the power of 6 ohms. The tensile strength before aging is at least 12.5 MPa and the elongation before aging is at least 250 percent. These parameters define the elastic and insulating performance of the pad in service.
The EVA Rail Pad Specification
The EVA pad, a blend of 80 percent polyethylene and 20 percent vinyl acetate, has a density of 0.95 to 0.98 g/cm³, a tensile strength of at least 15 MPa, an elongation of more than 500 percent, a melting point of 170 to 190 degrees, an insulation resistance of at least 10 to the power of 10 ohms and a hardness of at least 90 Shore A. The EVA pad provides high elasticity and impact absorption for vibration-sensitive sections.
The HDPE Rail Pad Specification
The HDPE pad has a density of 0.95 to 0.98 g/cm³, a tensile strength of at least 19 MPa, an elongation of more than 80 percent, a melting point of 170 to 190 degrees, an insulation resistance of at least 10 to the power of 10 ohms and a hardness of at least 98 Shore A. The HDPE pad provides high durability and insulation for demanding service.
Groove Design and Customization
The grooves can be customized in various designs, and the pads can be produced with or without grooves according to customer requirements. The groove pattern affects the load-deflection behavior and the contact characteristics, and the design is matched to the application. The pad size is produced for the rail section and the fastening system, and custom sizes are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stiffness of a rubber rail pad? 90 to 130 kN, with the Shore A hardness, electrical resistance and mechanical properties also specified for the pad.
What is the Shore A hardness of a rubber pad? 72 to 80 degrees, combined with the stiffness range of 90 to 130 kN for the rubber rail pad specification.
What is the tensile strength of an EVA pad? t least 15 MPa, with elongation over 500 percent. The EVA pad is a blend of 80 percent polyethylene and 20 percent vinyl acetate, with a density of 0.95 to 0.98 g/cm3.
What is the tensile strength of an HDPE pad? t least 19 MPa, with elongation over 80 percent, a melting point of 170 to 190 degrees and an insulation resistance that suits electrified lines.
Can the grooves be customized? Yes, the grooves can be produced in various designs, and the pads can be made with or without grooves according to the requirement. The groove pattern affects the load-deflection behavior of the pad.
