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BALLASTLESS TRACK: A RAPID TRANSIT WAVE OF THE FUTURE?

Successful application of ballastless track carried directly on concrete substructures is relatively new but gaining in popularity because it will retain its geometry longer than ballasted track. In tunnels it will also minimize bore size and on bridges will reduce dead weight. Three general types of ballastless track are used; Group I, the block system, in which rail is supported on prefabricated blocks set in a trackbed of longitudinal troughs; Group II, direct fixation on supporting structure, where the rail is mounted on bearing plates and elastomeric pads set directly on the bridge deck or tunnel invert; Group III, paved or slab track, where the supporting slab is poured in one pass to final alignment. All three designs have advantages but Group I appears to be the most versatile and easiest to construct. For bridges, rail expansion joints have traditionally been placed at each pier, and span lengths limited. For Miami Metro, it was decided to utilize long aerial structures of increased span length, then utilize rail fasteners where creep resistance could be limited. This would control effects of differential expansion of structure and rail. Although ballastless track is widely accepted for rapid transit, much development remains. Design criteria are still empirical; noise and vibration damping require development; and turnouts and at-grade construction need to be researched.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

    508 Birch Street
    Bristol, CT  United States  06010
  • Authors:
    • Jackson, B
  • Publication Date: 1984-4

Media Info

  • Features: Photos;
  • Pagination: p. 37-39
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00386383
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jun 28 1984 12:00AM