contact us

Rail Pads

PATENTED PADS, COVERING ALL APPLICATIONS

Combined with the GANTREX® clips, GANTREX® patented pads are at the core of soft-mount crane rail solutions and prove essential to reduce shocks and vibrations in rail systems.

First, let’s set the basics: What is a rail pad?

Placed between the rail foot and the track supporting structure, rail pads are typically made of rubber and are designed to reduce wear and tear on the rail and other track equipment by distributing the load more evenly across the supporting structure, and by absorbing impacts and vibrations caused by the passage of cranes

Our pad range covers all rail profiles and includes continuous and discontinuous pads. Placed between the rail and its support, the pad ensures the load distribution over a larger surface, the elimination of load concentrations and ensuing fatigue stresses, the centering of loads on the supporting element, the absorption of uneven contact surfaces between rail and support, and the reduction of wear of the rail and its support.

Key features

  • All rail profiles covered
  • Wider load distribution
  • Wear reduction of the rail and its support
  • Improved stress distribution under the rail​
  • Eliminates stress concentrations and point loads on the sole plates​
  • Distributes the loads under the center line of the rail
contact us

RAILLOK™ INNOVATION

The patented RailLok™ series of continuous pads (MK9) is specifically designed to perform integrally with the RailLok™ clips. The design eliminates the ingress of dirt and water between the rail and its support, minimizes the effect of crane oscillation and rail twisting, and improves the compression created by the “nose” of the clip. The Gantrex RailLok™ Pad patent is filed under the following numbers across the world: US9435082B2, EP2794994B1, CN103987896B. To cover all types of rail systems, we developed a range of RailLok™ pads designed for soft-mount installations where rails are laid on continuous and discontinuous supports available in different pad widths.

Features and Benefits

Using Gantrex patented pads underneath a crane rail delivers real performance benefits. For example, both rail and plate are rolled elements and small imperfections exists on their surfaces, if a rail sits directly on the plate it creates point loading on the imperfections resulting in high stress concentrations. By inserting a rubber layer in-between the rail and the steel surface, the small irregularities of the material are absorbed and you create a much better load distribution, which in turn leads to a reduction in the stress on the foundation level. Gantrex in-house R&D has conducted extensive testing and structural analysis to understand how the use of pads reduces the stress concentration within the rail as well. And the results are clear : the pad ensures that local overloading is better distributed over the surface of the rail. This allows for load transfer through the centerline of the railhead and rail. In addition, a pad also provides a better load distribution in case of a misalignment, and a protection to the upper surface of the girder from abrasion and wear.

Pads shape improvements

To allow a better dynamic load distribution within the pad, our in-house R&D department has developed a new and patented shape for our RailLok™ Pads. This specific shape allows a better distribution of wheel loads to avoid load concentrations (resulting in a pad failure) in the middle. Also, this patented feature minimizes the ingress of dirt and water under loading thanks to the improved edge seals. They ensure there is a constant contact between the rail, edges of the pad and the steel plate even during rail rocking. The improved pad shape and edge seals have significantly improved the reliability and the life cycle of the rail fastening system.

Steel Reinforcement

The integrated steel reinforcement allows to pull the rubber via extrusion during production process, and it also prevents lateral pad movements under standard operating conditions.

Gantrex Production

At Gantrex, we take pride in being the sole producer of rail pads within the European Union. With over 50 years of expertise in the industry, our legacy of pad production stands as a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. Crafted by our team of skilled Gantrex employees, each pad undergoes a meticulous production process that we diligently oversee every step of the way. Our dedication to maintaining the highest standards is evident through rigorous quality checks throughout the production journey. Furthermore, at Gantrex we place high importance on the health and safety of our workforce, ensuring a secure and safe environment. Our ISO 9001 certification underscores our dedication to excellence, reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in pad production.

Installation Team

Rely on Gantrex to help you with your next rail system project. From the engineering of tailor-made complete solutions right through to installation on site, your Gantrex experts are specialists in the design, delivery and maintenance of crane rail system solutions. With our worldwide network and unrivalled experience in the field, our teams can implement industry leading best practices and install crane rail systems to the very highest standards, ensuring the quality, safety and performance of your project.

Continuous Pads
DISCONTINUOUS PADS

Continuous Pads

Designed for soft-mount installations where rails are laid on continuous supports. For more details, contact us or select and download the document in the list.

DISCONTINUOUS PADS

Designed for soft-mount installations where rails are laid on intermittent supports. For more details, contact us or select and download the document in the list.

Related Videos

Pad Production

brochures

Driving excellence & innovation through collaborative partnerships

View All References

Related Projects

ABU DHABI SHIPBUILDING, UAE

Gantrex supplied clips and pads.

read more

AK Steel – Butler, PA, USA

Clips & Pads

read more

ALUMINIUM DUNKERQUE, France

Gantrex supplied clips and pads.

read more

ASYAPORT, TURKEY

Gantrex supplied clips and pads.

read more

BHUSHAN POWER & STEEL, India

Gantrex supplied rails, clips and pads.

read more

BOHAI SHIPYARD, China

Gantrex supplied clips and pads.

read more

CIMENTERIE DE HAMMA BOUZIANE, Algeria

Gantrex supplied clips and pads.

read more

DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING, Korea

Gantrex supplied clips an pads.

read more

HALIFAX SHIPYARD, Canada

Gantrex supplied rails, clips, pads, sole plates and grout.

read more
View All References

Why go with gantrex?

Global coverage, local presence

Your partner throughout your project

Over 50 years of experience

Always innovating our products and services