DEVELOPMENT OF BALLASTLESS TRACK SYSTEMS IN GERMANY - DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPERIENCES IN SITU

In August 2002 the new high-speed line Koln-Rhein/Main was put into service. This line is the first German one built exclusively for high-speed trains with a maximum speed of 300 km/h. To a large extent the track alignment follows the existing highway A3. Using ballastless track technology in a total length of about 150 km, the requirements of small radii down to r = 3350m, maximum cant of 170 mm, maximum longitudinal inclination of 40 o/oo and usage of eddy current brakes have been met. As shown by the experiences made during construction and life time of test-sections and in-service lines, two requirements have to be combined to reach successful installation and a good long-time performance of slab tracks - sufficient structural design in thickness and cross-section and usage of proven technologies, and continuous control of accuracy and quality at the construction site, especially concerning the link between prefabricated track-parts and parts built in place. For the covering abstract see ITRD E122683.