What is the function of rail pads?

A rail pad is a protective layer installed under the rail foot to mitigate wear on both rails and sleepers, reduce impact forces, and control vibration transmission to the track structure. It ensures longer track service life and lower maintenance. GNEE RAIL offers all-standard rail pads, including elastic pads for GB rails (8–60 kg/m), UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70–QU120, JIS 15KG–CR100, AS1085 31–89 kg, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE rails, plus project-specific support such as pad material testing and supply coordination.

What is the function of rail pads?

Rail pads, installed between the rail foot and the sleeper or baseplate, are an essential component of railway and crane track systems. Their primary role is to ensure the stability and longevity of the track by providing a resilient interface that absorbs dynamic forces and distributes loads evenly. When trains or cranes pass over the track, the rail pads act as a cushion, reducing the stress transmitted to the sleepers and the underlying track structure, which prevents premature wear, cracking of concrete sleepers, or crushing of timber sleepers.

In addition to load distribution, rail pads protect the rail seat by preventing direct metal-to-sleeper contact. This reduces abrasion at the rail foot and maintains the clamping force of elastic rail clips, which is vital for keeping the rail securely in position. The elastic nature of the pad also dampens vibrations caused by moving wheels, which not only extends the life of track components but also reduces noise, improving passenger comfort and minimizing environmental impact, particularly in urban or high-speed rail settings.

Some rail pads are designed with electrical insulation properties, which is critical for electrified rail systems where stray currents could interfere with signaling equipment or pose safety hazards. Moreover, modern pads are made from materials such as rubber, polyurethane, or composite compounds that are resistant to environmental factors like UV exposure, moisture, and chemical corrosion. This ensures that rail pads maintain their protective and resilient functions even in harsh climates or industrial environments.

What is the material of the rail pad?

Rail pads are typically manufactured from elastomer materials, most commonly natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), or polyurethane. These materials provide high elasticity, vibration dampening, and load distribution between the steel rail and the concrete/wooden sleeper, enhancing track longevity.

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 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)

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

As a professional rubber rail pad manufacturer GNEE RAIL can produce various standards of rubber rail pads and other rail fasteners. If you want to build a railway line, do not hesitate to contact us, we can supply all types of rubber rail pads with different materials. If necessary, we can make customized rubber rail pad production.