The use of crane rail pads significantly extends the service life of crane systems and crane runways. Depending on the application, crane operations place substantial loads on both the rail system and its supporting structure.
The rail pad is one of the key components of a rail fastening system, contributing significantly to reliable rail support and long-term performance.
Key Components of a Rail Fastening System
- Durable rail pads, reinforced as required for the application
- Rail clips selected to suit the intended operating conditions
- Properly dimensioned base plates and support structures
- Continuously welded rails
Rail Pads for Discrete Supports
Crane rail pads for discrete supports are designed for installations where rails are mounted on individual support points. Used together with rail clips, the fully elastic fastening system significantly reduces stresses on the rails, grout, and concrete substructure.
The resilient support allows the rail to adapt optimally to crane wheel loads, preventing edge loading beneath the rail and distributing wheel loads evenly into the supporting structure.
Features
- Integrated lips engage the steel base plate to prevent lateral movement of the pad.
- The crowned profile minimizes edge loading caused by rail deflection under load, protecting the supporting structure.
- Prevents load concentrations and the resulting fatigue of the rail fastening system.
- Protects the crane mechanism and extends the service life of rails, wheels, bearings, and axles.
Rail Pads for Continuous Supports
Continuous crane rail pads are designed for heavy-duty crane applications where rails are continuously supported on steel beams or continuous steel base plates (lamellas).
These pads are manufactured from a wear-resistant synthetic elastomer with excellent recovery characteristics and high resistance to oils, greases, ozone, and UV radiation. An encapsulated steel reinforcement strip provides additional dimensional stability while ensuring corrosion protection.
Features
- Steel reinforcement provides excellent dimensional stability and reliably prevents lateral movement or stretching of the pad under load.
- The grooved surface enables controlled installation while ensuring uniform load transfer across the entire pad.
- Prevents load concentrations and the resulting fatigue of the rail fastening system.
- Protects the crane mechanism and extends the service life of rails, wheels, bearings, and axles.