A structural study of an innovative steel—concrete track structure

This article presents a study carried out during the European project INNOTRACK on the structural behaviour of an innovative slab track system based on a two-layer steel—concrete structure. The design of the track system was proposed at the start of the project and refined during its course, partially based on the numerical analysis of the vehicle—track system interaction and its comparison with typical ballasted track. Two main types of rail pad, fastening and baseplate systems, were investigated: one for main lines and the other for heavy industrial settings covering the full range of potential support stiffness requirements. The effect of various underframe pads between the steel frame and the supporting ground layer was also investigated to look at the effect on the load distribution over the supporting layers and bending moments induced within the structure.