Slab Track Research and Demonstration Program
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In response to these industry trends, the Portland Cement Association began research on slab track systems. Studies of origins and applications determined that while a number of technologists support ballastless track systems, real-life applications are few because of wariness of first cost. Only scant published data exists on research and design precedents. Portland Cement Association is now fully engaged in a program of slab track design and testing. Objectives are to advance the state-of-the-art of concrete slab track technology and demonstrate the capability of slab track to provide a durable, low maintenance, and safe track structure that will accommodate both high-speed rail and freight in the U.S. An anticipated outcome of this work is lower life cycle costs for track systems that must support increasing axle loads of freight traffic while maintaining gage and profile tolerances demanded by high-speed passenger operation.

Slab track successfully tested for 3 million cycles.

The design and testing program has made significant progress. Papers have been published covering the current state-of-the-art in slab track technology. Development of a design methodology has progressed to the laboratory, where a full-scale section of slab track has been constructed and is being statically and dynamically tested to verify the design. Vendors of track hardware and materials have assisted by donating their products for use in the tests. The Federal Railroad Administration has indicated interest in participating in the program, which is currently being reformulated as a cooperative research and demonstration initiative. Given the possibility of federal assistance, the next steps of the program involve constructing a section of the laboratory-proven design in the field. Arrangements have been made with the Association of American Railroads Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado, to subject sections of various slab track configurations to full load testing on the High Tonnage Loop. The testing will be monitored over a full year of repeated 39-ton axle load tests, representing 100 million gross tons. Thereafter, similar tests will also be conducted on another Railroad Test Track loop, where the high-speed capabilities of the slab track will be further analyzed. In the long run, PCA expects to pursue the construction of a significant section of slab track on an operating heavy-haul railroad. All of the results of the research program will be published as the various tests are concluded.

These are exciting times for the concrete industry. Centuries-old trackways can no longer adequately support the technological requirements of high-speed, heavy-haul railways. Slab track provides the solution and the means for our nation’s resurgent interest in rail transportation.

 
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