Slab track: Review of existing systems and optimization potentials including very high speed

Slab track systems have been developed and implemented in a number of situations, including high speed, in a number of countries. A worldwide review of system types and implementations will be presented, with some focus on projects where SYSTRA was involved. Design criteria, construction techniques will be covered as well as feedback from operation for some cases. Elements and methodology for LCC assessment of some of the systems will also be included, including comparison with ballasted track systems in specific instances. A focus on very high speed will then identify the potential advantages of slab track systems in that domain, but also the attention points to focus on when thinking of slab track for very high speed, including e.g. noise questions. Finally, optimization potentials with respect to existing concepts will be presented. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.