Development of German non-ballasted track forms

This paper traces the development of non-ballasted track worldwide over the last 35 years. Starting with the early work of the International Union of Railways (UIC) Research Committee (ORE) D87 and British Rail's Paved Concrete Track (PACT), it goes on to describe subsequent major developments in Japan and Germany. After briefly covering the three current solutions that are approved for 300 km/h running in Germany, the paper traces the development of the most common, Rheda, from its initial conception in 1972 by Professor Eisenmann at Munich Technical University through to the current version known as Rheda 2000. It goes on to describe how weaknesses in the original Rheda concept—so easy to see in hindsight—were ‘designed out', thereby giving a valuable insight into what any new performance specification for non-ballasted track should include. Typical installation procedures for the various non-ballasted track forms on earthworks are covered, as are the particular requirements for bridges. The paper concludes with the important topic of the transition arrangements between ballasted and non-ballasted track forms.