TINES® Elastomeric Profiles

The system includes groups of profiles that can be used either together or independently, depending on the project requirements and the type of track. Its modular design enables compatibility with all rail types (Vignole and grooved rails), rail fastening systems (discrete and continuous), and track construction methods. Thanks to its flexible configuration, TINES® Profiles can be used in both new construction projects and the modernization of existing tramway tracks, as well as in various track structures (ballasted and ballastless), including systems with continuous and discrete rail support. Individual components may be applied as a complete solution providing full rail insulation or as separate elements selected to meet the specific requirements of a project.

The modular design allows the individual components to be freely configured according to the type of track surface, the selected track installation technology, the required vibroacoustic performance and the operating conditions. The profiles can perform insulating, vibration damping, sealing, filling and protective functions, creating an effective system for protecting both the rail and the track structure.

The use of elastomeric components manufactured from recycled rubber granulate combines high technical performance with cost efficiency and environmental sustainability. The TINES® Profile System provides a durable, environmentally friendly and cost-competitive solution for the construction of modern rail infrastructure that meets current technical, operational and environmental requirements.

For the installation of TINES® Profiles, the use of TINES® Polyrail Flex adhesive is recommended.

TINES® Railfiller rail-side profiles are designed for installation along the web and foot of the rail. They form a continuous insulating barrier and serve as filling and sealing elements in the space between the rail and the surrounding track structure.

The use of rail-side profiles provides:

• complete electrical insulation of the rail from the track structure,

• protection against the ingress of water, mud, road salt and other contaminants,

• additional damping of lateral vibrations,

• protection of poured sealing compounds and structural components against mechanical damage,

• improved durability of the entire rail encapsulation system.

In tramway track applications, the rail-side profiles may also serve as filler inserts for the rail joint chambers or as groove-forming elements for grooved rails, providing an aesthetically finished track surface and facilitating track cleaning and maintenance.

Depending on project requirements, TINES® Railfiller rail-side profiles can be manufactured as solid or relieved (with a longitudinal cut-out along the rail web), as high profiles (flush with the top of the rail head) or low profiles (flush with the underside of the rail head), and as wide profiles (flush with the rail foot) or narrow profiles (flush with the rail head area). Their geometry can be adapted to the selected rail fastening system (e.g. W14, K-type, SB or other systems), while profile length can be adjusted to match the spacing of the rail fastening points.

Examples of TINES® Railfiller side rail profiles for 60R2 rail

Examples of TINES® Railfiller side rail profiles for 49E1 rail

TINES® Railfoot under-rail profiles are a fundamental component of the rail insulation and vibration isolation system. Installed beneath the rail foot, they form a continuous elastomeric layer separating the rail from the base or supporting structure.

Their primary functions are to:

• reduce vibrations transmitted from the rail to the track structure,
• minimise structure-borne noise,
• provide continuous electrical insulation,
• ensure uniform distribution of loads transmitted by the rail,
• reduce local stress concentrations within the track structure,

while maintaining the track’s geometric stability and ensuring long-term durability of the track system.

TINES® Railfoot under-rail profiles are generally available in two configurations according to their shape:

• Type “U” – an under-rail profile fitted over the rail foot and installed using adhesive.
• Type “C” – an under-rail profile fitted over the rail foot using a clamping mechanism, requiring no adhesive.

TINES® Railfoot under-rail profiles

The TINES® Profile System also includes profiles designed for the insulation and protection of track cross members used in tramway track structures and specialised rail fastening systems.

These components are designed to:

• reduce the transmission of vibrations between the rail and the track cross members,
• increase the electrical insulation of the entire track system,
• protect steel components against corrosion and mechanical damage,
• improve the durability of structural connections,
• reduce noise generated at the interfaces between track components.

The use of elastomeric pads and profiles extends maintenance intervals and reduces infrastructure maintenance costs. The combination of under-rail profiles, rail-side profiles and profiles for track cross members creates a complete rail insulation system. This solution provides continuous electrical and vibroacoustic protection around the entire rail profile, effectively limiting vibration transmission, noise emissions and the adverse effects of stray currents.

Thanks to the possibility of individually selecting the profile geometry, elastic properties and installation method, the TINES® Profile System can be used both in new infrastructure projects and in the modernisation of existing tramway tracks. The use of elastomeric materials manufactured from recycled rubber granulate also supports the principles of sustainable construction, combining high technical performance with cost efficiency and environmental benefits.

TINES® profiles are a modern solution combining the functions of electrical insulation, vibroacoustic protection, and protection of the track structure. Thanks to high-quality materials and the possibility of individual adjustment of parameters, they provide an effective tool for designing durable, safe, and environmentally friendly rail transport systems. TINES® elastomer profiles are widely used in modern tram track structures, both in ballasted and non-ballasted track systems. Due to the wide variety of shapes and material parameters, they can be used in both point-supported and continuously supported systems, providing effective electrical insulation, vibration reduction, and protection of the track structure.

In non-ballasted track systems, TINES® profiles are used in point-pour and continuous-pour systems, where they serve as separating, vibration-isolating, and sealing elements. In solutions with continuous rail support, they enable uniform load distribution, reduce stress concentrations, and improve the interaction between the rail and the surrounding concrete structure. In point-supported systems, they assist in damping vibrations generated by passing rolling stock and reduce dynamic impacts transferred to the substructure.

Thanks to their high design flexibility, TINES® profiles are used in tram tracks integrated into roadways, green tracks, dedicated transport corridors, road crossings, engineering structures, tunnels, and specialized structures requiring enhanced protection against vibrations and noise.

In ballasted track systems, the profiles can be used as insulating and damping elements cooperating with rail fastening systems, contributing to improved track durability and reducing the level of noise and vibrations emitted into the surrounding environment.

Thanks to appropriately designed cross-sections, TINES® profiles can also serve as filling inserts for the space between the rail and the track surface. They provide tight filling of rail grooves, protect the structure against water and contaminant ingress, and protect track components against mechanical damage. At the same time, they improve the aesthetics of the installation and the functionality of the track structure.

An important advantage of the TINES® profile system is its favorable economic aspect. The profiles are manufactured from rubber granulate derived from recycling, enabling efficient use of secondary raw materials and reducing the environmental impact of investments. The use of recycling technology while maintaining high technical parameters makes this solution an attractive alternative to more expensive elastomer systems. Thanks to effective vibration damping, protection of the track structure, and the use of recycled materials, the system complies with the principles of modern, sustainable infrastructure construction.

• Electrical insulation – TINES® elastomer profiles create a continuous insulating barrier between the rail and the track structure. The solution effectively limits the flow of stray currents, minimizing the risk of electrochemical corrosion of infrastructure components and equipment located in the vicinity of the track.
• Reduction of vibrations and oscillations – TINES® elastomer profiles act as an elastic layer between the rail and the supporting structure. The appropriately selected dynamic properties of the material enable effective damping of vibrations generated by passing rolling stock.
  Reducing vibration levels improves passenger comfort, limits the impact of the track system on surrounding buildings, protects infrastructure against material fatigue, and extends the service life of rail track components.
• Noise reduction – the TINES® elastomer profile system effectively reduces the emission of structure-borne and secondary noise generated during wheel–rail contact. Limiting the transmission of vibration energy into the track structure allows for a reduction in noise levels emitted into the surroundings, which is particularly important in urban areas, residential zones, and facilities with increased acoustic requirements.
• Protection of the track structure – TINES® elastomer profiles provide an additional protective layer for track components against the effects of weather conditions and contaminants. They limit direct contact between the rail and concrete or other structural elements, reducing the risk of mechanical damage and corrosion.

For the preparation of a technical and commercial offer, please contact us at: handlowy@tinesrail.com