Abstract: An apparatus for use as a pad and for placement intermediate a rail and a railroad tie includes a plurality of geometrical recesses that extend into the pad, either at a normal longitudinal axis or at an angle other than normal. An elastomeric material is used to form the pad. The recesses may include any geometric shape in plan at the surface of the pad. If desired, a tiered structure, is provided for any of the recesses. According to a modification, any of the recesses are modified to include a longitudinal axis that is not normal. The modified recesses include any geometrical, polygonal, circular, or oval shape in plan at the surface of the pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as a pad and for placement intermediate a rail and a railroad tie includes a plurality of cylindrical recesses that extend into the pad. An elastomeric material is used to form the pad. The cylindrical recesses may include a tiered structure, a portion of which is aligned with at least one corresponding cylindrical recess that is disposed on an opposite side of the pad. The cylindrical recesses convert vertical loading into shear forces that are distributed within the pad. Deformation of the pad due to shear and Poisson's ratio occurs substantially within the pad itself thereby lessening the horizontal movement, or scrubbing action, of the pad upon the railroad tie and increasing the life expectancy of the pad and also providing a method for strain attenuation by the use of shear.