5.7 THE APPLICATION OF THE RIGIDLESS TRACK ON ARTIFICIAL CONSTRUCTIONS

Abstract

In this article the materials on constructions of the elements of trackless track on artificial constructions are given. The peculiarities of laying and maintenance of jointless track on bridges are described.

Key words: jointless track, rail track, bridge, spanning structure, bridge deck, counterbars, bridge timbers, reinforced concrete slabs.

The main peculiarity of jointless track operation on bridges is the mobility of the under-rail base due to the change in the length of the spans in case of temperature changes and under the influence of rolling stock.

In the presence of ‘rail-rail-spanning structure’ connections, additional longitudinal forces arise in the rails of the track, which are transmitted both to the bridge spans and to the bridge supports and approaches to the bridge. Therefore, prior to the laying of jointless track on bridges, they are inspected and, if necessary, repaired [2].

Two types of bridge deck are used on bridges: ballasted (ballast driven) and ballastless. The design of the bridge deck must comply with the technical standards and requirements set out in the ‘Guidelines for the design and construction of the bridge deck on railway bridges’.