Ballast matting

Clouth-USM® ballast mat program

Clouth ballast mats are reliable and proven elastomer products of natural rubber (NR) and synthetic rubber (SBR/CR or EPDM) for reducing the emission of vibrations or for matching rigidities in the superstructure of track-bound traffic. The Clouth ballast matting program comprises various matting types with different rigidities for axle loads up to 250 kN and speeds up to 300 km.p.h. Ballast matting in conjunction with the superstructure, form a highly effective system for isolating structure-borne noise in tracks sections near to vibration and noise sensitive buildings and structures.

Installation areas of ballast mats:

• Tunnels underneath buildings
• Paved-in tracks
• Bridges and viaducts
• Sub grades
• Light mass spring systemsr

Features of Clouth-USM®:

• High degree of isolation of structure borne vibration and noise
• Reduced stress and wear on track components
• Reduced rail distortion
• Economical transport and installation (as supplied in rolls)
• Excellent electrical insulating properties
• Low dynamic stiffening
• Modifiable for special applications
• Excellent resistance to ageing and weathering, thus a long service lifer

Isolating (shock absorbing) mats

CIn addition Clouth produce isolating matting of bound pelletised rubber which are provided on one side (optionally on both sides) with a wear resisting protective rubber layer. This layer allows mechanical stressing of the mats, e.g. passing over with light building vehicles without damaging the isolating layer of pelletized rubber.

In the building industry, Clouth isolating mats are used for isolating structure borne noise or as resilient foundation bearings for isolating vibrations. In track constructions, Clouth isolating mats can be used instead of ballast mats, if no particular requirements have to be met (e.g. according to technical railway specifications).