Page 221 - 360.revista de Alta Velocidad - Nº 5

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número 5 - junio - 2018. Pág 219 - 227

New design concepts for High-speed lines and the limits of the

ballasted track

Escobar, Adrián

Zamorano, Clara Isabel

Jiménez, Pablo Lorenzo

Escobar, Jorge

Technical University of Madrid
1

Abstract
The correct decision regarding to what type of track should be used in High-speed
lines is one of the topics that has generated more discussion and controversy
over the last few years. In addition, this decision is very influenced by the
tradition, philosophy and design principles of the different countries. This fact
is fundamentally due to the multitude of constraints and influencing factors that
define as most appropriate, the use of a ballasted track against a ballastless
track, or vice versa. However, the present research intends to look beyond and
review the main High-speed projects of greater relevance and transcendence that
are being or will be realized in the next years, around the world, to observe if
some of the two typologies is presenting a greater implementation, and the main
factors that are motivating this decision. In addition, the new conditions that are
appearing in some countries will be analysed, related to the demand for greater
performance of design speed and design life, as well as the influence that these
new demands will have on the decisions related to the type of superstructure
to be installed. Finally, a comparison of all these different design philosophies
will be carried out, in relation to the Spanish High-speed model, in order to
generate a brief discussion of the main differences and similarities found. The
final objective of the present study is to analyse current trends in superstructure
design and to help the debate on the type of track to be used in the High-speed
lines that will be developed in the near future.

Keywords: superstructure comparison, High-speed trends, High-speed rail, ballasted track, ballastless track .

1 Escobar, Adrián. Technical University of Madrid. Email: adrian.escobar.pastor@alumnos.upm.es (Corresponding author)
Zamorano, Clara Isabel. Technical University of Madrid. Email: clara.zamorano@upm.es
Jiménez, Pablo Lorenzo. European University of Madrid. Email: pablolorenzo.jimenez@universidadeuropea.es
Escobar, Jorge. Technical University of Madrid. Email: j.escobar@alumnos.upm.es

International Congress on High-speed Rail: Technologies and Long Term Impacts - Ciudad Real (Spain) - 25th anniversary Madrid-Sevilla corridor 219