Ballastless Track Section With Shim-Based Height And Cant Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballastless railway tracks face challenges in precise geometry adjustment, require earthwork cant formation before installation, and are susceptible to maintenance issues and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated concrete track slab with adjustable geometry, using shims and support pads to allow post-installation adjustment of height and cant, and foundation means for secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If earthwork cant formation is performed before installation, then track geometry can be established, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the cant geometry directly into the concrete sleepers during manufacturing, rather than requiring earthwork formation before installation. The sleepers are produced with built-in camber and inclination features that automatically establish the required track geometry upon placement, eliminating the need for complex preliminary earthwork operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical earthwork formation system with a manufacturing-based solution. Instead of using heavy earthmoving equipment to shape the subgrade for cant, the geometry is achieved through precision manufacturing of the sleepers themselves, which are produced with integrated geometric features that define track alignment and cant.
2Manufacturing precision
If concrete slabs are cast in place, then track geometry can be precisely established, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the track structure into modular, precast concrete sleepers that can be individually manufactured, transported, and installed. Each sleeper is a discrete component with standardized dimensions and geometric features, allowing for precise track geometry through modular assembly rather than monolithic cast-in-place construction, thereby facilitating easier maintenance and replacement.
3Ease of repair
If traditional ballastless track is used, then maintenance costs are reduced, but environmental impact increases due to impermeable structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of flexible shells and thin films by incorporating a geotextile membrane between the ballastless track structure and the underlying subgrade. This thin film layer provides drainage and filtration functionality while maintaining the structural integrity of the ballastless track, allowing water to percolate through the system and reducing environmental impact without compromising maintenance advantages.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ballastless track section for a rail vehicle, said section being fastened to a platform (10) and comprising: a prefabricated concrete track slab (20, 120) comprising two stringers (21, 22); a rounded bearing surface (21c, 22c) borne by an underside of each stringer at each longitudinal end and having a curvature, the center of curvature of which is the top of a rail (21b, 22b) borne by the stringer; a prefabricated support pad (30, 130) for supporting each longitudinal end of the slab (20, 120) and comprising at least two support bases (33, 34) for the two stringers of this longitudinal end of the slab, each base (33, 34) comprising at least one shim (33a, 34a) of predetermined thickness supporting said rounded bearing surface (21c, 22c) of the stringer of said slab facing this base.