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ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIFICS REQUIRED BY SLAB TRACK IMPLEMENTATION

Conference Paper · November 2015

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Vladimir Zlatanov Zhekov Metodi Atanasov

Todor Kableshkov Higher School of Transport Todor Kableshkov Higher School of Transport
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 ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIFICS REQUIRED BY SLAB TRACK
IMPLEMENTATION
phD student Vladimir Zhekov1, phD student Metodi Atanasov2
1
University of Transport “T. Kableshkov”, 158 Geo Milev, Sofia, Bulgaria, vladijekov@gmail.com
2
University of Transport “T. Kableshkov”, 158 Geo Milev, Sofia, Bulgaria, metodi8atanasov@abv.bg
Abstract – The report aims to provide basic information
about the main slab track types. There is an analysis3.
performed based on the best practices which are applied in a
variety of track constructive solutions. The outcome aims to
provide suggestion for improvement of the slab track
implementation and increase of its effectiveness in high speed
railways and tunnels.
1. Introduction
The report is describing an analysis of the construction types
of slab track worldwide. Most slab track constructions take
place in tunnels where the ground is stiff and stable. The
available free space of the tunnel may influence the decision.
Fig. 1 Reduced tunnel diameter
Estimated construction costs for balastless track are usually
higher than for conventional track, but the maintenance costs
for ballastless track are lower. Among the advantages of slab
tracks is the longer time performance without significant
amount of maintenance compared to the conventional
ballasted track.
Latest results from a recent evaluation in this subject propose
that in a long-term perspective the slab track is more
economically efficient as also visible in fig. 2.
Fig. 2 Time depending value, ballasted track and slab track
2. Various types of ballasted rail track bed
The development of the ballastless track can be explained
firstly through the search for a longer track bed lifespans,
whereas decreasing the frequency of maintenance.
The ballastless techniques that are currently available are
summarized in the following table:
Table 1. Various types of ballastless rail track bed
Each slab track system has different flexural stiffness, which
should reckon in accordance to the soil conditions because
the whole system depends solely in its bearing capacity.
There are six main slab track classification:
 Construction type with sleepers embedded in a
concrete slab laid on site
 Construction type with sleepers embedded in a
concrete poured on site
 Construction type with sleepers on top of asphalt
concrete roadbed
 Prefabricated concrete slabs
 Clamped and continuously supported rail
3. Slab track implemention
Hereby are listed are the most used slab track which are
effective in high speed railways and tunnels.
3.1. Construction type with sleepers embedded in
concrete slab track on site
 Rheda system
The Rheda system in various forms is one of the most
commonly used slab track systems worldwide.
The latest developed version is Rheda 2000 as shown in b) system with elastically encased sleepers
fig.3. 3.3. Construction type with sleepers on top of asphalt –
concrete layer

Due to the asphalt properties, these systems can perform

slight plastic adaptions when it is needed. Positive features of
these systems are that they allow for an exchange of sleepers
in case of damage and generally are easily mainted.
 FFYS – ATS
This system was primarily designed to provide excellent
position stability. The Y – sleepers of this system is a good
solution for new tracks and renewals.

Fig. 3 The most significantly developed Rheda 2000

This system is flexible enough to allow for design adaptions
according to the individual constraints of projects.

 Zublin system
Zublin system consists of concrete twin block or mono-block
sleepers embedded in a monolithic concrete slab as shown in
fig. 4.

Fig. 6 Y-steel sleeper

FFYS – ATS system is known in Bulgaria through the

implementation of the railway line long 3240 m in Tunnel 3.

Fig. 4 Most recent developed Zublin system

This developed system has been used in China in a 460 long
high speed double track in 2005.

3.2. Construction type with sleepers embedded in

concrete poured on site
The Stedef, Sonneville and Wallo slab track systems are
governed by the same construction and design principles. As
shown in fig. 5, a resilent pad is placed under the sleeper and
then encased in a rubber boot providing hidh flexibility and
reassures high protection against noise and vibration.
Fig. 7 FFYS – AIS system in Bulgaria, Tunnel 3

3.4. Prefabricated concrete slabs

This slab track category is consisted by reinforced or pre-

stressed concrete slabs preserving constant and safe the
inclination.
Prefabricated slabs can be found in many places around the
world: japan, Germany, Italy, China and Taiwan.
Fig. 5 a) sleeper of the Sonneville – LVT system
 Shinkansen system
The Shinkansen slab track system has influenced other The efficient design and small number of parts from which the
systems that have been used around the worldm, using sub-system is built means that it is at a very low maintenance.
similar design and construction principles.

Fig. 8 Shinkansen system Fig. 10 Cross section of BBERS system

 OBB – PORR system

4. Influence of the tunnel construction type
The slab track system OBB – PORR elastically supported track base
plate, is built for tunnel and bridge constructions. towards the design of the track bed

The design of track bed structures in rail tunnels depends on

a number of factors. The need for the fire services to have
access to the tunnel as quickly as possible means that there
should be technical solutions preferred that are enabling them
to enter by using their emergency vehicles and drive on the
track.

Fig. 9 Slab track in shield section

Fig. 11 Road vehicle accessibility in tunnels
Tunnel floors have normally none or little subsidence and
they are therefore an ideal base structure for slab tracks. Slab track is the worldwide leading system for high speed
tracks which in terms of reliability, availability,
maintenanbility and safety offers a number of advantages:
3.5. Embedded rail structure
 Constantly high quality and accurancy of
manufacture
These designs are consisted of a continuous monolithic
concrete layer only and a direct rail fastening adjusted to it.  High driving comfort
 Durable and precise track bed
 BBERS system  Effectively solution about emergency situations
 The slab track designs gain more and more popularity in the
railway projects as the railway speed increases. Slab tracks
may be proved to be the dominant design in the future high-
speed railways and tunels.
5. REFERENCES
[1] AFTES Recommendations, „Rail tracks and track beds in
tunnels“, 2013
[2] Michas G. Slab Track Systems for High-Speed Railways.
Master Degree Project.KTN Royal Institute of
Technology. Stockholm, 2012
[3] MAX BöGL. FFB SLAB TRACK BöGL..Germany.
[4] PORR TECHNOBAU UND UMVELT AG. Slab track ,
system ÖBB–PORR elastically supported track base
plate.AUSTRIA.
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[5] Esveld.C. Modern Railway Track, Second Edition. Delft
University of Technology. 2001.
[6] Rail One. Rheda 2000 Ballastless Track System.
[7] Balfour Beatty Rail Projects Ltd. Thematic priority 6:
Sustainable Development Global Change and Ecosystems,
2.3.3 Design and manufacture of Embedded Rail Slab
Track Components. Innotrack. Project No. TIPS-CT-
2006-031415O, Actual submission date: 12/06/2008.
[8] UIC Infrastructure Commission Civil Engineering
Support Group, Feasibility study « Ballastless track »,
08/04/2002