core sector communique

A model for the future

The new slab track

ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik GmbH has achieved another technological breakthrough in the field of permanent way engineering. The experts of the Essen-based company received approval from Deutsche Bahn AG for their new NFF slab track system at the beginning of August. This makes the track construction specialists the only manufacturer in Europe to have a patented solution for lines and sections of line subject to difficult soil conditions. "This is an important milestone in the five years of development work so far," says Heiko Sante, head of Technology at ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik GmbH.

To make line construction possible on challenging geologies, the NFF system has a bridge-like design rather than lying with its full surface on the ground. As a rule, it consists of injection piles serving as isolated foundations firmly connected to rigid portal systems. Firmly attached to these are precisely positioned longitudinal bearer units (LTEs) made of precast concrete. These LTEs consist of two longitudinal sleepers with three cross connections over the portal systems, thus creating a precast "rail bearing grid." The rail fasteners are ready-bolted to the longitudinal sleepers.

To obtain approval from Deutsche Bahn AG, the NFF system has been exhaustively tested and put through its paces. A test line has therefore been in operation at the plant site of Rheinkalk AG in Wülfrath since May 2008. The existing ballast track was converted to the NFF system over a length of about 120 m. The extremely inhomogeneous soil with its strong variations in load-bearing capacity was ideal for testing the system. The track is exposed here to axle loads up to 22.5 t and train loads of approximately 1800 t. Measurements conducted by the University of Duisburg-Essen showed that no appreciable settlement or bending occurred over the entire period.

The new slab track system is being presented among other things at InnoTrans, the International Trade Fair for Transport Technology, which is taking place in Berlin from September 21 to 24, 2010. The many advantages of this pioneering innovation will be demonstrated on a scale 1:2 model.

About ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik
ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik GmbH, Essen, Germany, ranks among the worldwide leading suppliers of railway equipment systems with special emphasis on classical products such as new and used rails, sleepers, points, rail fasteners for all types of permanent-way systems. Rounding off the range are rolling stock and its refurbishment, wagons and their accessories, and a full range of services. Engineering and supplying complete rail and point systems are among the specialties of ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik.