UNBALLASTED TRACK SECTION FOR RAIL VEHICLES

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a ballastless railway track for a railway vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a section of track for a railway vehicle intended to allow the construction of a railway vehicle track by joining together a plurality of track sections according to the invention. Technological background

[0002] Since the inception of railways, it has been common practice to lay tracks on ballast, that is, on a bed of crushed stone or gravel. The ballast distributes the forces transmitted by the sleepers under the action of rolling stock onto the underlying track bed. This helps to limit the settling of the track bed. The ballast also helps to embed the sleepers, thus limiting their movement and deformation.

[0003] For several years now, ballastless track projects have been multiplying, particularly tracks on concrete slabs. Indeed, a ballastless track offers the advantages of minimizing track maintenance costs and extending its lifespan.

[0004] Such a ballastless track generally includes a foundation layer of concrete or asphalt on which a cast-in-place or prefabricated concrete slab is placed to support and anchor the track rails.

[0005] One of the challenges encountered when constructing such a ballastless track is the precision required when laying the concrete slabs on the underlying foundation layer, as this directly determines the track geometry. Furthermore, if a superelevation is required along the track alignment, the foundation layer excavation must be adjusted to create the superelevation before the concrete slabs are laid. Adjusting the track spacing can also present technical difficulties. Finally, after adjusting the track geometry, the concrete slabs must be sealed or anchored to ensure their permanent stability.

[0006] EP 2 184 402 A shows a section of track without ballast for a railway vehicle intended to be fixed to a track platform, said section of track comprising a prefabricated concrete track slab comprising two longitudinal stringers extending along a longitudinal direction, for each stringer, a plurality of transverse retaining blocks for a longitudinal rail mounted on an upper face of said stringer, and at each longitudinal end of the stringer, a rounded support carried by an underside of said stringer, for each longitudinal end of said slab, a prefabricated support block at least of that longitudinal end of the slab, said prefabricated support block comprising a plate and a central longitudinal block projecting from said plate, and delimiting on either side of said central block, at least two support bases for the two stringers of that longitudinal end of said slab,each base comprising at least one shim of predetermined thickness arranged on said platform and intended to support said rounded support of the stringer of said slab opposite this base, once this slab is mounted on said block, and implicitly, for each support block, means for the foundation of this support block in said track platform.

[0007] The applicant has already proposed a ballastless track for guided transport vehicles, comprising a track bed and a plurality of track sections, each comprising a track panel formed by two longitudinal beams extending along a longitudinal axis. Each beam further comprises an upper longitudinal groove for receiving a rail, and sleepers attached to the beams and extending transversely between them. The track section already proposed by the applicant further comprises a plurality of panel supports configured to support the panel above the track bed. Each support comprises a mounting block suitable for fixing to the track bed, a cradle suitable for supporting the panel, and means for vertically moving said cradle relative to said block so as to adjust the height of the panel relative to the track bed and define the cant of the track section.The means of vertical movement include a wedge resting on the bottom of a receiving basin of the block, the wedge carrying the cradle which is mounted movably vertically along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the block.

[0008] This type of track section allows for precise adjustment of the track geometry after it has been installed on the trackbed. Specifically, the height of each sleeper (and consequently, the height of each rail housed in the sleeper's groove) can be adjusted after installation. This sleeper height (i.e., the distance between the trackbed and the sleeper) is defined and adjusted by moving the sleeper's support cradle, which is achieved by moving the wedge at each support.

[0009] That being said, the inventors sought to improve the proposed solution, in particular to simplify track adjustment and to offer a more compact version of the means for adjusting the track after its installation. Objectives of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the known disadvantages of unballasted tracks.

[0011] In particular, the invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section whose geometry (superelevation, height) can be adjusted after its installation by simple and compact design means.

[0012] The invention also aims to provide a section of track that does not require a poured concrete or asphalt slab to be installed.

[0013] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section which allows correction of the geometry of the track thus formed after its installation and at any time during the life of the track thus formed, in particular to compensate for settlements related to the operation of the track.

[0014] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a section of track that can be quickly installed by track-laying teams.

[0015] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that offers easy maintenance.

[0016] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a section of track that is not very sensitive to flooding.

[0017] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that can be installed on different types of engineering structures, such as tunnels, viaducts, in particular U-shaped viaducts, bridges, trestles, etc.

[0018] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a section of track that limits its impact on the ecosystem of the location where the track is situated. Description of the invention

[0019] To this end, the invention relates to a section of track without ballast for a railway vehicle intended to be fixed to a track platform characterized in that said section of track comprises: a prefabricated concrete track slab comprising two stringers extending along a longitudinal direction and, at each longitudinal end of the slab, a notch separating said stringers, so as to form an H-shaped track slab, for each stringer, a plurality of transverse blocks for retaining a longitudinal rail mounted on an upper face of said stringer, and at each longitudinal end of the stringer, a rounded support carried by an lower face of said stringer and having a curvature whose center of curvature is the top of said rail carried by the blocks of this stringer, for each longitudinal end of said slab, a prefabricated support block of at least that longitudinal end of the slab, said prefabricated support block comprising a platform and a central longitudinal block projecting from said platform intended to extend into the notch of that longitudinal end of said slab, once this slab is mounted on this block, and delimiting on either side of said central block, at least two support bases for the two stringers of that longitudinal end of said slab, each base comprising at least one shim of predetermined thickness arranged on said platform and intended to support said rounded support of the stringer of said slab opposite that base, once this slab is mounted on said block, for each support block, foundation means for that support block in said track platform.

[0020] The track section according to the invention consists exclusively of prefabricated parts (prefabricated concrete slab and prefabricated support blocks), which allows for control over the manufacturing quality of the parts and facilitates the installation of the track section on a track bed. Furthermore, the use of prefabricated parts combined with means for adjusting the track geometry makes it possible to accommodate all track layout configurations (straight lines, curves, connections, gradients, etc.).

[0021] A track section according to the invention allows the precise geometry of the track to be adjusted at the time of its installation and after its installation on a ballastless platform.

[0022] In particular, the height of each rail supported by the blocks of each longitudinal beam can be adjusted after its installation. This rail height (i.e., the distance between the top of the rail and the platform) is defined and set by the track slab support blocks (also referred to as track slabs throughout this text).

[0023] To achieve this, each support block comprises a platform and a central longitudinal block projecting from the platform, designed to extend into the notch at that longitudinal end once the slab is mounted on the block. In other words, the slab (or panel) is supported by two support blocks arranged respectively at each of its two longitudinal ends.

[0024] In addition, the central block of each block delimits at least two support bases for the two stringers of this longitudinal end of the slab, each base comprising at least one wedge of predetermined thickness arranged on the platform and intended to support the rounded support, which has a curved surface whose center of curvature is the top of the rail carried by the blocks of this stringer.

[0025] This particular structure of the block makes it possible to simply form, with a reduced number of parts, a system for adjusting the height and cant of the track section.

[0026] In particular, a track section according to the invention does not require creating a superelevation directly on the trackbed prior to track installation. This superelevation can be created after installation by inclining the track slab, which facilitates track laying operations.

[0027] This inclination results from stacking shims on one of the base plates to rotate the slab around a longitudinal axis. Specifically, the rounded support in contact with the shims has a curvature whose center of curvature coincides with the top of the rail; the vertical displacement of the longitudinal beam resulting from stacking shims of predetermined thickness generates a rotation of the slab around a longitudinal axis.

[0028] Adjusting the heights of the shims also allows for vertical and / or lateral adjustment of the slab.

[0029] A track section according to the invention therefore allows, by adapting the height of the shims and / or by stacking shims of predetermined thickness on the bases of the block, to define the height of the slab and its inclination.

[0030] A track section according to the invention also allows for compensation of differential settlement of the track bed through individual adjustment of each track section. The track section adjustment functionality according to the invention also allows for adjustment and correction of the track geometry during its service life. Earthwork accuracy is also less critical than with prior art track designs due to the possibility of subsequently refining the height of each longitudinal beam relative to the bed and correcting any earthwork defects.

[0031] Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one block comprises, on either side of the central block, two support bases for two stringers separated by a transverse stiffening wall, so that this block can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs.

[0032] This advantageous variant allows the use of a single support block to support both longitudinal ends of two successive slabs. In other words, a support block in this variant connects two consecutive slabs to form a railway track. The support block then comprises two pairs of bases (four bases in total), each pair of bases configured to support one longitudinal end of one of the two consecutive slabs.

[0033] In addition, the transverse stiffening wall has a role in stiffening the block in the transverse direction.

[0034] Advantageously and according to the invention, said central block of at least one support block - in particular of each support block - includes at least one longitudinal stop carried by a longitudinal wall of said central block so as to be able to block any longitudinal movement of the slab whose notch receives this longitudinal wall of the central block.

[0035] According to this advantageous variant, the central block carries a longitudinal stop for the slab to prevent any longitudinal movement of the slab relative to the support block.

[0036] This longitudinal stop, for example, is made of an elastomeric material.

[0037] In the case where the block is configured to support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs, the central block preferably includes a longitudinal stop on each of its two longitudinal walls in order to be able to block any longitudinal movement of each of the two slabs supported by this block.

[0038] Advantageously and according to the invention, said central block of at least one block includes at least one lateral stop mounted on a lateral wall of said central block so as to be able to block any lateral movement of the slab whose notch receives this lateral wall of the central block.

[0039] According to this advantageous variant, the central block carries a lateral stop for the slab to prevent any lateral movement of the slab relative to the support pedestal. This lateral stop is, for example, made of an elastomeric material. Preferably, the central block includes two lateral stops mounted respectively on the two lateral walls of the central block to prevent any lateral movement (regardless of the direction of movement) of the slab relative to the pedestal.

[0040] In the case where the block is configured to support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs, the central block preferably includes two lateral stops for each of the two slabs (in other words, four lateral stops in total).

[0041] Advantageously and according to the invention, said central block of at least one pedestal includes at least one adjustable lateral stop so as to be able to define the lateral space which separates said central block from each slab supported by this pedestal.

[0042] According to this advantageous variant, at least one lateral stop—preferably each lateral stop—is adjustable, meaning that the distance between the end of the lateral stop and the wall of the central block can be adjusted. This adjustment can be achieved, for example, by threaded means consisting of a tapped hole in the side wall of the central block and a stop with a thread that matches the tapped hole in the side wall. Screwing or unscrewing the stop in the tapped hole allows the distance between the side wall of the central block and the slab to be defined. This adjustment of the lateral stops allows the slab's position relative to the pedestal to be fine-tuned.

[0043] Advantageously and according to the invention, said bases of the wedges of at least one block are inclined towards said central block to allow better stability of each slab supported by this block.

[0044] According to this advantageous variant, the bases of the wedges are inclined towards the central block to form a truncated V. The wedges are placed on the inclined arms of the V and receive the rounded supports carried by the undersides of the slab beams. This improves the overall stability by concentrating the forces towards the central block.

[0045] Advantageously and according to the invention, said slab further comprises, at each longitudinal end, on either side of said notch, at least one threaded insert provided in said slab and opening out opposite said platform of the block carrying this end of the slab, once the slab is mounted on said block, so as to allow a vertical lifting of said slab relative to the block by screwing a lifting screw into said insert which bears against said platform of said block.

[0046] This advantageous variant allows the slab to be lifted vertically during track adjustment operations, to add or remove shims and / or to adjust the adjustable side stops. According to another variant, the vertical lifting of the track section slab can be achieved by using a hydraulic jack, such as a lifting jack or any equivalent means.

[0047] Advantageously and according to the invention, said means of foundation of at least one block in said track platform comprise at least one pile per foundation support of stringer.

[0048] This advantageous variant allows each pier to be anchored to the platform by piles, preferably at least one pile per base. In other words, if the pier has four bases to support the two longitudinal ends of two successive slabs, the pier has four piles.

[0049] These piles can be of any type. They can be drilled, driven or screwed into the platform depending on the nature of the soil and the load-bearing capacity to be obtained.

[0050] The foundation means for a block of a track section according to the invention have a dual function of anchoring the block in the platform and of bearing the soil under the block.

[0051] A track section according to the invention can not only be anchored to a track platform without ballast by means of the foundation means of the pads in the platform, but it can also be installed on a tunnel floor or a bridge or viaduct deck for example, in which case the pads are directly attached to the tunnel floor or the bridge or viaduct deck.

[0052] In the context of constructing a road with a plurality of road sections according to the invention, the piles of each block can be chosen differently to adapt to the nature of the soil in which the block is located.

[0053] Advantageously and according to the invention, said rounded supports of said stringers of said slab are formed of elastomer.

[0054] Advantageously and according to the invention, said shims of predetermined thickness arranged on said plate of said block are made of steel.

[0055] The invention also relates to a ballastless track for a railway vehicle comprising a track platform and a plurality of track sections according to the invention fixed successively on said track platform.

[0056] The advantages and technical effects of a track section according to the invention apply mutatis mutandis to a track without ballast according to the invention. List of figures

[0057] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which: [ Fig. 1 [ ] is a schematic perspective view of a track section according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 [ ] is a detailed schematic view of a block and a longitudinal end of a track slab from the track section of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3] is a schematic side perspective view of the plot of the figure 2 . [ Fig. 4 ] is a schematic side view of the plot of the figure 3 including, in addition, means for lifting the track slab. Fig. 5 ] is a schematic profile view of a track section according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0058] In the figures, scale and proportion are not strictly to scale for illustrative and clarity purposes. In all the detailed descriptions that follow with reference to the figures, unless otherwise indicated, each element of a track section is described as it is arranged when the track section is anchored to a platform to form a rail vehicle's running track. This configuration is notably shown in the figure 1 .

[0059] The terms longitudinal, transverse, and vertical are used without limitation with reference to the L, T, V trihedron as represented on the figure 1 The longitudinal direction corresponds to the direction of the rails in the track section and defines the direction of travel of a rail vehicle using that section of track. The vertical direction is the direction determined by gravity at the location where the track section is installed. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and vertical directions.

[0060] In addition, identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references in all figures.

[0061] There figure 1schematically illustrates a track section according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a prefabricated concrete track slab 20 (also referred to as a track panel) and two supports 30, 130 arranged at each of the longitudinal ends 20a, 20b of the track slab 20. figure 1 also illustrates a portion of a second track slab 120, one longitudinal end of which rests on block 130, the other longitudinal end of this second slab 120 resting on another block not shown on the figure 1 .

[0062] Throughout the following, the same references are used for the constituent elements of the slabs 20, 120 and the pedestals 30, 130 for the sake of clarity and insofar as the characteristics of the two pedestals and the two slabs are identical.

[0063] The prefabricated concrete track slab 20 comprises two stringers 21, 22 which each extend along the longitudinal direction L. The slab 20 also has, at each of its longitudinal ends 20a, 20b, a notch 23, 24. Thus, the slab 20 has a general shape of H.

[0064] Each longitudinal beam 21, 22 also supports a plurality of transverse blocks 21a, 22a for holding a longitudinal rail 21b, 22b. The blocks 21a, 22a are, for example, made of concrete and embedded in the track slab 20. The means for retaining the rails 21b, 22b can be of any type and are not described in detail here.

[0065] Each stringer also includes, at each of its longitudinal ends, and as shown on the figures 3 And 5, a rounded support 21c, 22c, for example made of elastomer, carried by an underside face of the stringer. This rounded support 21c, 22c has a curvature whose center of curvature is the top of the rail 21b, 22b carried by this stringer.

[0066] In other words, the geometry of the rounded support 21c, 22c (and in particular its curvature) depends on the thickness of the slab, the height of the blocks and the height of the rails carried by the blocks so that once these different elements are assembled, the center of curvature of the rounded support 21c, 22c coincides with the top of the rail 21b, 22b.

[0067] Each rounded support 21c, 22c rests on a stack of shims 33a, 34a, made, for example, of steel. The height of the shims or the number of shims (in the case where the shims have identical thicknesses) allows the height and cant of the track section to be adjusted.

[0068] The wedges 33a, 34a rest on bases 33, 34. These bases 33, 34 are formed on a plate 31 of the block and separated from each other by a longitudinal central block 32. The plate 31 has a general truncated V shape, the arms of which form the bases inclined towards the longitudinal central block 32, which stands at the center of the truncated V.

[0069] Each branch of the truncated V preferably extends parallel to the lower surface of the stringer which carries the rounded support arranged opposite the base formed by this branch of the truncated V.

[0070] The base 33 receives the stack of wedges 33a on which the support 21c of the stringer 21 rests. The base 34 receives the stack of wedges 34a on which the support 22c of the stringer 22 rests.

[0071] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each support block 30, 130 comprises, on either side of the central block 32, two support bases for two longitudinal beams separated by a transverse wall 37, 38, such that this support block 30, 130 can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive track slabs. In other words, a support block according to the embodiment shown in the figures supports the two adjacent longitudinal ends of two consecutive track slabs. Each support block 30, 130 exhibits, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, symmetry with respect to a transverse plane (with the exception of the shim heights, which may differ on either side of the plane of symmetry insofar as the alignment of the two consecutive track slabs may differ from one slab to the other).

[0072] Throughout the rest of this document, the same references are used for each element on both sides of this transverse plane of symmetry.

[0073] The central block 32 of plot 30 also includes and as shown in particular on the figure 2 The system consists of two longitudinal walls 32a, 32b and two lateral walls 32c, 32d. Each longitudinal wall 32a, 32b also includes a longitudinal stop 35a, 35b. Each longitudinal stop 35a, 35b is, for example, made of elastomer. It can, for example, be slidably mounted in a groove formed on the longitudinal wall 32a, 32b of the central block. These longitudinal stops prevent any longitudinal movement of the slab 20.

[0074] In addition, each side wall 32c, 32d includes two side stops 36a, 36b which extend into each notch of the slab 20. These side stops 36a, 36b are formed for example of elastomer and prevent any lateral movement of the slab relative to the block 30.

[0075] According to the embodiment of the figures, each lateral stop 36a, 36b is formed of a threaded rod configured to be able to be screwed into a conjugate tapping formed in the lateral wall 32c, 32d of the central block so as to be able to define the distance which separates the central block 32 from the slab 20.

[0076] As schematically illustrated on the figures 2 , 4 And 5 , the track section preferably includes, at each longitudinal end 20a, 20b of the slab 20, 120 on either side of the notch 23, 24 provided at this end, a threaded insert 27a, 27b provided in the slab 20, 120 which opens opposite the platform 31 of the block 30, 130. Each insert 27a, 27b is configured to be able to receive a lifting screw 28 which, once screwed in, bears against the platform 31 of the block 30, 130 which causes a vertical displacement of the slab 20 relative to the block 30 anchored in the platform.

[0077] In other words, the combination of the threaded insert 27a, 27b and the lifting screw 28 makes it possible to form means for vertically lifting the slab 20 relative to the block 30. This makes it possible in particular to insert the shims 33a, 34a to adjust the orientation and position of the slab 20.

[0078] There figure 5 This schematically illustrates how a track section according to the invention can be adjusted. In particular, if, during the initial track adjustment or following ground settlement, the geometry of the track section needs to be corrected, the invention allows the orientation of the slab to be modified without destroying the track and without any particular difficulties.

[0079] In particular, it is considered that the initial track adjustment consisted of arranging shims 33a, 34a under the rounded supports 21c, 22c, which have respective heights H1 And H2.

[0080] The specific structure of the track section according to the invention allows the following adjustments to be made: Adding a shim of thickness e to each of the two shims 33a, 34a (after lifting the slab 20 by means of the lifting screws 28 inserted into the inserts 27a, 27b) allows the slab 20 to be raised by a height e in the vertical direction, replacing the shims 33a, 34a with shims of respective thicknesses H1-e And H2-e (after lifting the slab 20 by means of the lifting screws 28 inserted in the inserts 27a, 27b) allows the slab to be lowered by a height e in the vertical direction, the addition of a shim of thickness e on the shim 33a and the replacement of the shim 34a with a shim of thickness H2-e allows the slab 20 to be moved laterally a distance e to the left of the figure 5 , the addition of a shim of thickness e on the shim 34a and the replacement of the shim 33a with a shim of thickness H1-eallows the slab 20 to be moved laterally a distance e to the right of the figure 5 Adding a shim of thickness e onto shim 34a, without modifying shim 33a, allows slab 20 to be rotated about a longitudinal axis to form a leftward slope. figure 5 Adding a shim of thickness e onto shim 33a, without modifying shim 34a, allows slab 20 to be rotated about a longitudinal axis to form a slope to the right of the figure 5 .

[0081] Thus, a track section stud according to the invention allows the orientation of the slab to be adjusted in a simple way with a minimum of standardized parts.

[0082] In the case of the construction of a new road or the regeneration of a road, the invention allows, by the successive adjustment of the different blocks supporting the different successive slabs of the road, the definition of the geometry of the road (height and superelevation), subsequent to the placement of the different blocks and the different slabs on the blocks.

[0083] Furthermore, since each slab rests on two successive supports, it creates a space between the platform and the slab, allowing rainwater to drain under the slabs if necessary, and enabling insects and other amphibians living near the track to move about underneath it. A track according to the invention is therefore more respectful of the ecosystem than tracks of the prior art.

[0084] The invention defined by the attached claims below is not limited to the embodiments described in connection with the figures. In particular, a track section support block according to the invention can support only one longitudinal end of a track slab and not both longitudinal ends of two successive slabs as illustrated in the figures. In such cases, installing a track requires twice as many supports, for an equivalent track width, as installing track where each support block supports both longitudinal ends of two successive slabs.

Claims

1. Ballastless track section for a rail vehicle intended to be fastened on a track platform (10), characterized in that said track section comprises: - a prefabricated concrete track slab (20, 120) comprising two stringers (21, 22) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and, at each longitudinal end (20a, 20b) of the slab, a notch (23, 24) separating said stringers (21, 22) so as to form an H-shaped track slab (20); - for each stringer (21, 22), a plurality of transverse supporting blocks (21a, 22a) for maintaining a longitudinal rail (21b, 22b) and mounted on an upper face of said stringers, and at each longitudinal end of said stringers, a rounded bearing surface (21c, 22c) borne by an underside of said stringers and having a curvature whose center of curvature is the top of the respective rail (21b, 22b) maintained by the blocks; - for each longitudinal end of said slab, a prefabricated support pad (30, 130) of at least this longitudinal end of the slab, said prefabricated support pad (30, 130) comprising a plate (31) and a longitudinal central block (32) projecting from said plate (31) intended to extend into the notch (23, 24) of this longitudinal end of said slab, once this slab is mounted on this pad, and delimiting, on either side of said central block, at least two support bases (33, 34) for the two longitudinal stringers of this longitudinal end of said slab, each base (33, 34) comprising at least one shim (33a, 34a) of predetermined thickness arranged on said plate (31) and intended to support said rounded bearing surface (21c, 22c) of the stringer of said slab facing this base, once this slab is mounted on said pad; - for each support pad (30, 130), foundation means for this support pad in said track platform (10).

2. Track section according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one pad (30, 130) comprises, on either side of the central block (32), two support bases for two stringers separated by a transverse stiffening wall (37, 38), so that this pad (30) can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs.

3. Track section according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said central block (32) of at least one pad (30) comprises at least one longitudinal stop (35) borne by a longitudinal wall of said central block (32) so as to be able to block any longitudinal displacement of the slab (10) whose notch receives this longitudinal wall of the central block.

4. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said central block (32) of at least one pad (30) comprises at least one lateral stop (36) mounted on a side wall of said central block (32) so as to be able to block any lateral displacement of the slab, the notch of which receives this side wall of the central block.

5. Track section according to claim 4, characterized in that said central block (32) of at least one pad (30) comprises at least one adjustable lateral stop (36) so as to be able to define the lateral space that separates said central block from each slab borne by this pad.

6. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said bases (33, 34) of the shims (33a, 34a) of at least one pad (30) are inclined toward said central block (32) to allow better stability of each slab borne by this pad.

7. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said slab (20) further comprises, at each longitudinal end (20a, 20b), on either side of said notch (23, 24), at least one threaded insert (27a, 27b) arranged in said slab (20) and emerging facing said plate (31) of the pad (30) bearing this end of the slab, once the slab is mounted on said pad, so as to allow vertical lifting of said slab relative to the pad by screwing a lifting screw (28) into said insert that bears against said plate (31) of said pad (30).

8. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one pad (20) comprises, on either side of the central block (32), two support bases for two stringers separated by a transverse wall (37, 38), so that this pad can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs.

9. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said foundation means for at least one pad in said track platform comprise at least one pile per stringer support base.

10. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said rounded bearing surfaces (21c, 22c) of said longitudinal stringers of said slab are formed from an elastomer.

11. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said shims (33a, 34a) of predetermined thickness arranged on said plate (32) of said pad are made of steel.

12. Ballastless track for a rail vehicle comprising a track platform and a plurality of track sections according to one of claims 1 to 11 successively fastened to said track platform.