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This DB manual provides specialists and managers who plan and

execute work on the permanent way with knowledge concerning


the interaction of personnel, machines, devices and track
equipment during permanent way maintenance. The authors
clearly describe the work procedures involved in the repair and
installation of tracks and switches, including ballast cleaning and
mechanical tamping work. Both formation rehabilitation methods
and day-to-day maintenance are dealt with.
The reader is familiarised with inspection and maintenance work
as well as the acceptance of permanent way services. The authors
also deal with the relatively new topic of ballastless permanent
way systems (ballastless track system) and provide an outlook
concerning further developments in track maintenance machines
and working procedures.

Bahn Fachverlag
www.bahn-fachverlag.de
ISBN: 978-3-943214-03-1

DB Manual Work procedures for


permanent way maintenance

DB Manual

EX

TR A
C T!

Work procedures
for permanent way
maintenance
7th revised and
extended edition

Lothar Marx
Dietmar Momann

In co-operation with:

EX

TR A
Published by Bahn FachverlagC
T!
DB Manual

Lothar Marx Dietmar Momann

EX

TR A
C T!

Work procedures for


permanent way maintenance

7th revised and extended edition

German National Library bibliographic information


The German National Library catalogues this publication in the German National Bibliography; detailed
bibliographic information can be found in the Internet under http://dnb.d-nb.de.

Lothar Marx Dietmar Momann


Work procedures for permanent way maintenance
DB manual
7th revised and extended edition Bahn Fachverlag GmbH, Berlin 2012
Publisher:
Bahn Fachverlag GmbH in co-operation with DB Training, Learning & Consulting
Bahn Fachverlag GmbH, Berlin 2012
All rights, including translation into foreign languages, are reserved by the publisher. No part of this work may be
reproduced, processed, copied or distributed in any form (photocopy, microfilm or any other procedures), including
for training purposes, using electronic systems without the written approval of the publisher.
The names of products mentioned in the book which are simultaneously registered trademarks have not been
specifically identified. The absence of the symbol does not therefore infer that the name is a free product name.
Nor is any reference made to the existence of patents or utility model protection.
Title photo: DB Bahnbau Gruppe/Benz
Illustrations without source information: L. Marx/D. Momann
Cover design and layout: DB AG; CRUFF, Berlin
Printing and binding: Laub GmbH & Co. KG, Elztal-Dallau
Printed in Germany
ISBN: 978-3-943214-03-1

EX
Contents
Preface

TR A
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19

General

21

Track equipment

25

2.1

General

25

2.2

The rails

25

2.2.1

Insulated rails

26

2.2.2

Insulated joints

26

2.3

The sleepers

28

2.3.1

The wooden sleepers

28

2.3.2

The steel sleepers

28

2.3.3

The reinforced concrete sleeper

30

2.3.4

Special forms of concrete sleeper

31

2.4

The sleepers of the ballastless track system

32

2.5

The rail fastening

35

2.5.1

The rail pad

35

2.5.2

The types of rail fastening

36

2.6

The ballast bed

41

Substructure

42

3.1

General

42

3.2

Substructure of new tracks

44

3.2.1

Substructure foundation

45

3.2.2

Checking load-bearing capability and rate of compression

46

3.2.3

Measures to prevent embanking settling

46

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

3.2.4

Draining the track formation

47

3.2.5

Drainage systems

47

3.3

Substructure of old tracks

48

3.3.1

Substructure redevelopment

49

Line layout and routing

50

4.1

General

50

4.2

Principles of line layout:


Discretionary and approval limit values

50

4.3

Route elements

51

4.4

Fundamentals of routing

52

4.4.1

The curved track

52

4.4.2

Superelevation

52

4.4.3

Lateral acceleration

53

4.4.4

Compensating superelevation

53

4.4.5

Determining superelevation

53

4.4.6

Unbalanced superelevation

54

4.4.7

Excess of superelevation

55

4.4.8

Minimum superelevation

55

4.4.9

Standard superelevation

55

4.5

Transition curves and superelevation ramps

56

4.5.1

The transition curve

56

4.5.2

Reverse curve with transition curve

56

4.5.3

Superelevation ramps

57

4.5.4

Ramp forms

57

4.6

Longitudinal track pull

58

4.7

Slope and gradient change

58

4.7.1

Graduated gradient change

58

Maintenance terms

60

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX
5.1

General

5.2

Explanation of individual terms and meaning for the


permanent way

TR A
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60

60

Inspection

63

6.1

Inspections on foot/inspection runs

63

6.1.1

Track inspections on foot

63

6.1.2

Track inspection runs (see guideline 821.2004)

64

6.2

Measurement runs

65

6.2.1

Checking the track geometry with track inspection vehicles


(see guideline 821.2001)

65

6.2.2

Technical driving inspections (see guideline 821.2002)

71

6.2.3

Ultrasonic test runs

73

6.2.4

Rail inspection train equipment

80

6.3

Manual measurements

83

6.3.1

Switch diagnosis system VAE ROADMASTER 2000

85

6.4

Foundation survey

88

6.4.1

General

88

6.4.2

Execution of the geotechnical survey

89

6.4.3

Evaluation of results

97

6.4.4

Construction execution

99

6.4.5

Conclusion

99

6.4.6

Application of the ground-penetrating radar

100

6.4.7

Geotechnical survey report for maintenance work

111

6.5

Evaluation and measures

117

6.5.1

General

117

6.5.2

Integrated inspection system (IIS)

117

6.5.3

Near-surface defects in rails

126

6.5.4

Planning of measures for track maintenance


(see guideline 823.0100A02)

130

6.5.5

Special inspections with the GeoRail Xpress

136

Maintenance

142

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

7.1

Weed killing on and alongside railway tracks

142

7.1.1

Weed killing on railway tracks using pesticides

143

7.1.2

Weed killing outside of tracks


using mechanical procedures

146

7.2

Lubrication of slide base plates

148

7.2.1

Lubrication of slide base plates

148

7.2.2

Switch rollers

148

7.2.3

Switch roller systems

148

Repair work

152

Planning of track maintenance

154

9.1

Rail transport

164

9.1.1

Quality assurance when loading rails

164

9.1.2

Rail transport with Robel design type

168

9.1.3

Rail transport with STS design type

170

9.1.4

Mobile continuous welded rail unloading device,


Geismar design type, model EMD

172

9.2

High-speed track renewal machine SUM 315 (Q 3)

174

9.3

Track renewal train Matisa (UM)

182

9.3.1

Overview of the track renewal train procedure UM

182

9.3.2

Special features of track renewal trains UM-1, 2 and 3

190

9.3.3

Special features of track renewal train UM-S 2001


(HENRY THE STRONG)

192

9.3.4

Special features of P 95-2008 UM and UM-P from Schweerbau

197

9.3.5

Track renewal train MATISA P 90 LS from JumboTec

200

9.3.6

Special features of P 95 from Strukton

205

9.3.7

Special features of track renewal train P 95 SR

207

9.3.8

Renewal procedure Matisa P 100

212

9.4

High-speed track renewal machine (SUM-Q 1)

218

9.5

RU 800 S track renewal and ballast cleaning in one operation

221

9.5.1

General

221

9.5.2

Description of the working method

223

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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TR A
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9.6

High-performance renewal procedure VFW 2001

9.7

Track renewal in a two-sleeper cycle with the SUZ 500 UVR

9.8

Track renewal train SUZ 500 with SVM 98

234

9.8.1

Preconditions for using the SUZ 500

234

9.8.2

Preliminary work

235

9.8.3

Organisation

235

9.8.4

Special features

236

9.8.5

Track renewal with SUZ 500

236

9.8.6

Subsequent operations (not usually by SUZ personnel)

238

9.8.7

Unloading and forwarding the continuous welded rails with the


rail forwarding machine (SVM) in combination with
high-speed track renewal machine SUZ 500

239

9.9

Donelli gantry crane

239

9.10

Track assembly

242

10

Renewal of switches

248

10.1

General

248

10.2

Preconditions (unloading, assembly)

251

10.3

Revolving cranes (Sk)

259

10.4

Renewal machine unit for switches and tracks (UWG)

269

10.5

Switch renewal with switch renewal machine WM 500-U

272

10.6

Switch transport wagon

276

10.7

Ready-to-install, fully-assembled large switch parts


from the switch supplier

278

10.7.1

Goal setting

278

10.7.2

Technical solution

278

10.7.3

Complete assembly in the switch factory

280

10.7.4

Loading and transport

280

10.7.5

Installation

282

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

225
229

10.7.6

Operations technology advantages

283

10.7.7

Special features of the complete assembly, its transport


and installation

283

10.7.8

Summary

286

10.8

Switch maintenance

287

10.8.1

Switch inspection

289

10.8.2

Individual replacement of parts of the switch track

297

10.9

The locking sleeper

302

11

Sleeper replacement

305

11.1

General

305

11.2

Track renewal trains

305

11.3

Individual sleeper replacement by hand or with equipment

306

12

Rail replacement

311

12.1

General

311

12.2

Rail replacement with rail changers

312

12.3

Rail replacement with roller grips

314

12.4

Rail replacement with the rail replacement system SR

315

13

Ballast laying

317

13.1

General

317

13.2

Classic procedure

321

13.3

Ballast bed finisher

323

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX
14

Installation of tracks

14.1

General

14.2

Ballast superstructure

TR A
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324

324

324

14.2.1

Track laying with VFW 2001

324

14.2.2

Track laying with SUZ 500 UVR

325

14.2.3

Niemag track renewal crane (UN)

326

14.2.4

Renewal machine unit for switches and tracks (UWG)

327

14.2.5

Gantry crane with integrated individual sleeper laying device


(PK 1-20/24)

329

14.2.6

Track laying with revolving cranes (Sk)

331

14.2.7

Track laying with the gantry crane (Donelli)

331

14.2.8

Laying of individual sleepers

331

14.3

Ballastless track system

335

14.3.1

General

335

14.3.2

The ballastless track system design types

336

14.3.3

Ballastless track system laying procedures

365

14.3.4

Measurement of the ballastless track system with the Hergie system

404

14.3.5

Laying the lean-mixed concrete in ballastless track systems

411

14.3.6

Procedure for laying continuous welded rails in ballastless


track systems

415

14.4

Switches in ballastless track systems

417

14.4.1

Switches in the RHEDA 2000 design type ballastless track system

424

14.5

Requirements on the substructure for ballastless track systems


on earthwork foundations

428

14.6

Transitions

428

14.7

Noise insulation in ballastless track system construction

428

14.8

Maintenance and renewal of the ballastless track system

431

14.9

Laying of special sleepers

433

14.9.1

Y-steel sleeper superstructure Y/S15

433

14.9.2

Twin sleeper (BS)

437

14.9.3

Sleeper bed for the ballast superstructure (padded sleeper)

442

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

15

Ballast solidification through plastic bonding

444

15.1

Product

444

15.2

Application areas

445

15.3

Required boundary conditions

449

15.4

Acceptance, quality control, guarantee

450

15.5

Guarantee

450

15.6

Work specifications

450

15.7

Handling of the bonding during tamping work

450

16

Ballast cleaning

451

16.1

General

451

16.2

Ballast cleaning machines RM 80 and 80-92

454

16.3

Ballast cleaning machine RMW 1500

460

16.3.1

General

460

16.3.2

Ballast bed cleaning with the RMW 1500

461

16.4

Rail-mounted ballast cleaning machines RM 800


and RM 800 Super 3S

465

16.5

Rail-mounted ballast cleaning machines RM 801 and RM 801-2

471

16.6

High-performance ballast cleaning machines RM 900 S


and RM 900

476

10

16.6.1

RM 900 S from SPITZKE AG

476

16.6.2

RM 900 from Schweerbau

480

16.7

High-performance ballast cleaning machine RM 95-700

483

16.8

High-performance ballast cleaning machine RM 95-800 W

488

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX

TR A
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16.9

Rail-mounted ballast cleaning machine RM 76 UHR

493

16.10

Road-rail ballast cleaning machine ZRM 79

16.11

Ballast cleaning using other procedures

495

17

Loading and unloading systems for waste removal and


ballast laying

496

17.1

General

496

17.2

Material conveyor and hopper unit (MFS 38, 40, 100-S, 250),
belt storage device (BSG 60), bulk freight hopper wagon
(BSW 11000 and 2000) and road-rail MFS

496

17.3

Loading belts and systems

501

17.4

Unloading systems for laying ballast

503

18

Formation rehabilitation

505

18.1

General

505

18.2

Laying with earth moving equipment

505

18.3

Formation rehabilitation machine PM 1000-URM

506

18.3.1

General description of the PM 1000-URM work procedure

506

18.3.2

Description of the PM 1000-URM work modules

513

18.4

Formation rehabilitation machine PM 200-1 (BR)

516

18.4.1

General information on PM 200-1

516

18.4.2

Addition of an RM 80-92
ballast cleaning machine to the PM 200-1 BR

522

494

18.5

Formation rehabilitation machine PM 200-2R

523

18.5.1

General information on PM 200-2R

523

18.5.2

Work procedure

526

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

11

18.6

Sand distribution and compacting machine (SVV 100) from


Joseph Hubert and Schweerbau

531

18.7

Recycling and formation rehabilitation machines RPM 2002 and


RPMW 2002-2

538

18.7.1

Objective of RPM 2002

538

18.7.2

Work procedure

539

18.8

Recycling, formation rehabilitation and cleaning machine


RPM-RS-900 from SPITZKE AG

544

18.8.1

General

544

18.8.2

Working methods

546

18.8.3

RPM-RS-900 from Schweerbau

550

18.9

Mbius soil remediation system

554

18.10

Formation rehabilitation with Wiebe ballast replacement system 557

18.11

Verification of installation quality

559

19

Mechanical tamping work in tracks and switches

562

19.1

Requirements on track and switch tamping machines


and ballast ploughs

562

19.2

Measuring work ahead of tamping machines

574

19.2.1

Introduction

574

19.2.2

Measuring work on conventionally marked tracks

575

19.2.3

Measuring work with the EM-SAT track survey system

577

19.2.4

Measuring work with the GEDO CE

584

19.2.5

Measuring work with the Amberg GRP 3000 survey system

590

19.2.6

The satellite-supported track survey during


track maintenance

595

Tamping

603

19.3

12

19.3.1

General

603

19.3.2

Compacting

614

19.3.3

First and second stabilisation

615

19.3.4

Creation of the ballast profile

616

19.3.5

Speed regulation after laying

616

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX
19.4

Maintenance of the tracks

TR A
C T!
618

19.4.1

General

19.4.2

Preconditions and preliminary work

19.4.3

Elimination of long-wave track displacement on


high-speed lines (v > 160 km/h)

621

Ballast distribution system


(BDS 2000)

621

19.5

Maintenance of switches

625

19.6

Tamping work with small machines

626

19.7

Dynamic track stabilisation (DGS)

631

19.8

Checking execution

635

20

Creation of the continuous welded rail track

636

20.1

General

636

20.2

Stress compensation

636

20.3

Welded joints (intermediate and end welds)

639

21

Elimination of individual defects

650

21.1

Tracks

650

21.1.1

General

650

21.1.2

Correction of track displacement

650

21.1.3

Gauge correction

653

21.1.4

Bending up retracted insulated joints

655

21.1.5

Sleeper rehabilitation

656

21.2

Elimination of individual geometry faults in tracks and


switches with individual defect tamping machines

665

21.2.1

Individual defect tamping machine UNIMAT-Sprinter

665

21.2.2

Fully-mechanised individual defect processing with the 08-275 4ZW

670

19.4.4

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

618
620

13

22

Rail processing

673

22.1

General

673

22.2

Rail processing machines, type RR

676

22.2.1

Rail grinding trains (Ssz), types RR 48 M and 32 M

678

22.2.2

Rail grinding machines (Ssm), type RR 24 M

678

22.2.3

Universal grinding machines (Usm), types RR 16 M and RR 24 MC

679

22.2.4

Switch grinding machines (Wsm), types RR 16 P/D and 16 MS

679

22.3

Rail processing machines, types RG, SPML, RGM, GWM,


SF 03/SM 03, SFU 04/SM 04, SBM

682

14

22.3.1

Rail grinding machine RG 48

682

22.3.2

Rail grinding machine SPML 16-2

684

22.3.3

Rail grinding machine RGM

685

22.3.4

Track and switch grinding machine GWM 550

686

22.3.5

Rail milling unit SF 03/SM 03

688

22.3.6

Rail milling machine SFU 04/SM 04

689

22.3.7

Rail processing machine SBM 250

691

22.4

Track and switch grinding machine RGH C 20 plus suction


and rinsing unit (SuSE)

693

22.5

Rail grinding machine SZ 2000

698

22.6

Rail milling unit SF 03 FFS-Plus

701

22.7

High-speed grinding with grinding machine RC 01

703

22.8

The rail milling train SF 03 W-FFS

706

22.9

Hand-held grinding equipment

710

23

Noise insulation and vibration protection

711

23.1

Introduction

711

23.1.1

Noises and vibrations caused by railway vehicles

711

23.1.2

Sources of noise

712

23.1.3

Rolling noise

713

23.1.4

Legal boundary conditions

714

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX

TR A
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23.1.5

Vibrations

715

23.2

Inspection: assessment of the actual status of the


rail running table quality

23.2.1

Direct measurement processes

717

23.2.2

Indirect continuous measurement processes

718

23.3

Maintenance and repair of the rail running tables

719

23.4

Sound-reducing measures

720

23.4.1

Measures on the rail

720

23.4.2

Absorbent running track coverings

720

23.4.3

Measures in the propagation path

720

23.4.4

Measures at the immission point

721

23.5

Vibration-reducing measures

721

717

23.5.1

Measures in the superstructure system

721

23.5.2

Measures in the propagation path

722

23.5.3

Measures at the immission point

722

24

Assessment and acceptance of track maintenance

723

24.1

Principles

723

24.1.1

General

723

24.1.2

Acceptance

723

24.2

Acceptance of new track construction or track renewal

727

24.2.1

General

727

24.2.2

Acceptance following new track construction or track renewal

727

24.2.3

SR0 values for new track construction or track renewal

730

24.2.4

SR0 values of the geodetic location of the track and


other measurements

732

24.2.5

Checklist for acceptance documents

733

24.3

Acceptance of new switch construction and switch renewal

734

24.3.1

General

734

24.3.2

Object of acceptance

734

24.3.3

Acceptance following new switch construction and switch renewal

734

24.3.4

SR0 values of the switch geometry

736

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

15

24.4

16

Acceptance of track maintenance

738

24.4.1

General

738

24.4.2

Acceptance of track maintenance

738

24.4.3

Evaluation of the acceptance survey

739

24.5

Acceptance of switch maintenance

740

24.5.1

General

740

24.5.2

Acceptance of switch maintenance

740

24.5.3

SR0 values for switch maintenance

741

24.6

Acceptance of welded joints on rails

742

24.6.1

General

742

24.6.2

Principles

743

24.6.3

Working equipment

743

24.6.4

Acceptance of welded joints on rails

743

24.7

Acceptance of rail processing

748

24.7.1

General

748

24.7.2

Acceptance of rail processing

748

24.7.3

Guideline acceptance values following rail processing

750

24.7.4

Guideline acceptance values following the creation of special profiles 753

25

Further developments

754

25.1

General

754

25.2

SUZW 500 new technology for track renewal


in conveyor belt technology, H.F. WIEBE

754

25.3

Ballast bed cleaning machine RM900VB

759

25.4

Mobile maintenance system ROBEL 69.70

763

25.5

Ballastless track system DW prefabricated concrete track panels


as the rail support system

768

25.5.1

System description

769

25.5.2

Routing principles

769

25.5.3

Construction implementation

769

25.6

The DURFLEX superstructure system

771

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX
25.6.1

Characteristics of DURFLEX

25.6.2

Laying procedure (Durflex installation)

25.6.3

Removal procedure and recycling

25.7

Navigable ballastless track system

TR A
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771

772
774

774

25.7.1

System description

774

25.7.2

Laying procedure on earthworks (rough construction sequence)

776

25.8

The ZSX twin sleeper the special pre-stressed concrete sleeper

776

25.8.1

The development objectives of the ZSX twin sleeper

776

25.8.2

Laying procedure

777

25.9

DURMINOR, the low noise protection wall

780

25.10

New developments in ballastless track system design types

784

25.10.1

"New ballastless track system" (NFF) design type

784

25.10.2

"Naumburger Bauunion" (NBU) design type

785

Annex
Abbreviations

787

Units of measurement

788

Advertisers

789

DB guidelines and DIN standards

790

Index

792

Authors

796

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

17

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Your Advertisement

18

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX
Preface

TR A
C T!

The number of editions of the "Work procedures


for permanent way maintenance" manual
which have been published so far indicates the
dynamic and extensive developments in railway
permanent way maintenance procedures since
the first edition of the book 25 years ago.
This 7th edition is a snapshot of the current
track and switch inspection, maintenance and
repair technologies. The detailed descriptions of
work procedures in interaction with personnel,
machines and equipment lend this DB manual
the status of a reference work for students,
newcomers to the profession, specialist tutors
and trainers.
The topics surrounding permanent way maintenance are rounded off by an insight into new
technologies. The compatibility of new work procedures, further developed components
or modified machines and equipment with the increasing scheduling and financial
dependencies in permanent way maintenance will have to be verified in operational trials.
DB Netz AG is extensively interested in the further development of maintenance
procedures. Due to the increasing requirements being made on the availability of the
permanent way, the railway infrastructure urgently requires diverse work procedures
to economically maintain its facilities. In this regard, DB Netz AG is one of the track
construction industry's most important partners.
I would like to cordially thank the two authors and former employees, Mr. Lothar Marx and
Mr. Dietmar Momann, for their work. They have again vigorously taken up an elementary
railway topic in order to practically address the requisite knowledge and information.
I sincerely hope that this manual's readers are able to find answers to their questions, and
to extend and pass on their knowledge. Let us hope that this leads to stimuli for further
developments in permanent way maintenance.

Oliver Kraft, CEO of DB Netz AG

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

19

Preliminary remarks
The maintenance of tracks and switches to guarantee operational safety necessitates
knowledge of the work procedures, the relevant working methods and the individual track
machinery and equipment. The authors' task was therefore to clearly and understandably
convey the process technology applied at DB Netz AG to all interested parties.
This new edition of the manual is intended to be used as a training and advanced training
document and to provide knowledge regarding the interaction of personnel, machines and
track equipment in permanent way maintenance.
Changes have particularly arisen due to the inclusion of:
track renewal train RU 800 S,
track renewal train SUM 315,
the P 95-SR track renewal trains,
track renewal train P 100,
ballast cleaning machines RM 95-700 and RM 95-800 W,
the new tamping machines for tracks (09-4X) and switches 09-475 Unimat 4S,
the survey procedures EM-SAT, GEDO and GRP,
the switch transport wagon WTW,
the new formation rehabilitation machine PM 1000,
rail milling machine SF 03,
track renewal train SUZW 500.

VO
R

WO
R

New chapters dealing with the following topics have also been added:
Track equipment,
Substructure,
Line layout and routing,
Ballast bonding,
Noise insulation.
The installation and maintenance of the ballastless track system (FF) are additionally
described. The ballastless track systems have also been further developed, particularly
the RHEDA, Zblin, Bgl and Infundo design types.
The technical status of the work procedures is documented up to September 2010.
At this point, we would like to thank all of our expert colleagues for their friendly
assistance and helpful advice. We would also like to thank the track maintenance
companies and the manufacturers of the machines, equipment and materials required
for maintenance for their valuable support and for providing us with documents which
contributed towards making this manual a success. We would particularly like to thank
Messrs. Armbruster, Dietrich, Dr. Hetzel, Knfel, Dr. Kratochwille, LeDosquet, Rausch
and Zck of DB for their kind co-operation. Additional thanks go to Mr. J. Rauch
(IBES Baugrundinstitut GmbH) and Dr. Stefan Lutzenberger (Mller-BBM GmbH) for
their supporting preliminary work.
Mainz, September 2010
The authors

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DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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1

General

TR A
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The task of permanent way maintenance is to provide the user (passenger and goods
transport) with an infrastructure which meets the requirements in terms of speed, load
and safety according to technical and economic aspects. The DB Netz AG infrastructure
encompasses around 64,000 km of track and around 67,000 switch units (Fig. 11).
Abb XXX 1_en.pdf

14.06.12

15:34

"Network 21" in 2012

Schematic portrayal

Priority network

Demixing of faster and slower traffic in economic corridors

High-performance network

Significant additional routes outside of the priority network

Routes for high-speed trains


Routes for lower-speed trains
Routes in the high-performance network
Corridors still without financing decision or in
planning or under construction

Abb. 11: DB Netz AG railway network showing the priority and high-performance network

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

Graphic: DB AG/Le Dosquet

21

Commissioning of the routes:

Mannheim Stuttgart in 1991,


Hanover Wrzburg in 1991,
Hanover Berlin in 1998,
Cologne Frankfurt in 2002 and
Nuremberg Erfurt in 2006

represented milestones in the high-speed network (v > 160 km/h), which now covers a
track length of around 5,000 km, whereby the permissible speed on the new lines (NBS) is
300km/h with the ICE3 (Fig. 12).

Abb. 12: ICE 3 on the new Cologne Frankfurt (M) line

It has also been possible to increase the speed throughout the existing network, whilst
retaining the route parameters, thanks to higher-performance vehicles in passenger and
goods transport (Figs. 13 and 14).

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DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX

TR A
C T!

Abb. 13: ICE T with body-tilting technology

Abb. 14: High-speed goods transport at 120 km/h

In addition to the classic superstructure components (rail, sleeper and ballast), the
installation of ballastless track system constructions (see Chapter 14.3) will also be
described. Maintenance costs are to be reduced even further through innovative track
constructions.
Each year, DB Netz AG spends considerable amounts of money on track maintenance
and renewal. Performance of this work often under dicult operational conditions

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

23

necessitates a high number of well-trained skilled civil engineering workers/track layers


(internal employees and staff from track maintenance companies).
These employees are supported by track renewal trains (RU 800 S, SUM Q, UM 1 to 3,
UM-S, SUM, SMD 80, SUZ 500 UVR) and gantry cranes (e.g. UN, Donelli), renewal
machine units for switches and tracks (UWG), 15 t to 150 t cranes plus WM500U, ballast
cleaning machines (BRM) for tracks and switches as well as tamping machines for tracks
and switches. Small machines and items of equipment are additionally available.
To organise this work, work specifications are drawn up for the deployment of track
maintenance companies.

24

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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2

Track equipment

2.1

General

TR A
C T!

The permanent way, consisting of the track and switch constructions including crossings
and rail expansion joints, is generally the most highly-stressed part of the infrastructure.
Since railways came into being, the ballast superstructure and its components, the rail, rail
fastening, sleeper and ballast, have undergone significant technical development, up to and
including the currently familiar forms of the cross sleeper track and the ballastless track
system design types. The superstructure products, design types or construction procedures
may only be used if they have been certified by the Federal Railway Oce and/or approved
by DB Netz AG's headquarters.
This chapter will only deal with the currently conventional superstructure components.

2.2

The rails

Today, form 60 E2, 54 E4 and 49 E5 rails are generally used by Deutsche Bahn (Fig. 21).
The rails are usually supplied in what is referred to as their naturally hard condition
(pearlitic rails). As a rule, the rails used by Deutsche Bahn have a minimum strength of
700 N/mm, whilst wear-resistant rails have a minimum strength of 900 N/mm (the tensile
strength of the rail steel is used as rail strength fracture [N/mm]). To achieve higher rail
strengths, pearlitic, naturally hard rails are additionally heat treated (e.g. head-hardened
rails).
Abb. 2.2 - 1_en.pdf

14.06.12

15:42

The rail's identification includes the following data such as manufacturer, year of rolling,
profile and steel grade.

Weight: 49.13 kg/m

Weight: 54.31 kg/m

Abb. 21: Rail forms with their most important dimensions

Weight: 60.03 kg/m


Graphic: DB AG/Stefan Balfanz

Today, a continuous welded rail track is usually produced. The rails are prefabricated in
the factory and delivered to the installation location in lengths up to 120 m. Thanks to the
lower number of welds, higher productivity during neutralisation, clamping and welding is

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

25

achieved on the worksite. Joint gap rails are manufactured from rails with standard lengths
of 30 m, 45 m or 60 m.
Profile transition rails are installed in tracks with different rail base widths and/or rails
with height differences of >5mm. For example, form 54 E4 rails must be fitted between
form 60 E2 and form 49 E5 rails. Profile transition rails are usually prefabricated in the
welding factory.
Rails have to meet requirements including the following:

High resistance to wear,


High fatigue strength,
High yield strength, tensile strength and hardness,
Good welding suitability,
High degree of purity,
Good surface quality and
Low internal stresses following production.

2.2.1

Insulated rails

Insulated rails are as long as the largest wheel-base which occurs (30 m) and are insulated
from the opposite rail. To achieve this, both ends of the insulated rail are joined to the
neighbouring rails by means of an insulated joint.

2.2.2

Insulated joints

Due to safety reasons, insulated joints which prevent the passage of electrical current have
to be installed in the track.
The production of insulated joints in the track has not proved worthwhile, and is therefore
usually carried out in the factory. To do this, 3 to 5 m long rail sections are bonded using
adapted fish plates and tensioned with high-strength bolts. A distinction is made between
design type S and IVB 30 insulated joints manufactured in the factory and design type MT
insulated joints produced in the track. Design type IVB 30 insulated joints currently have
to be used as standard in tracks and switches. Design type MT insulated joints are only
permissible if design type IVB 30 insulated joints manufactured in the factory cannot be
used (e.g. structural joints of switches and crossings).
The finished insulated joints are welded into the track at the work site (see Figures 22
to 25).

26

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

Abb. 2.2 - 2 KapIsoliersto Bauart S_en.pdf

14.06.12

EX

Insulated joint design type S

TR A
C T!

Abb.
IVB 30
Hauptfahrrichtung_en.pdf
Concrete sleeper
with 2.2 - 3 Isoliersto
Wooden
sleeper
with
superstructure W (Skl 1K)
superstructure K (Kpo 9)
Abb. 22: Insulated joint design type S

15:47

Graphic: DB AG/Stefan Balfanz

Layout of "IVB 30" in the track

Main traffic direction

Abb. 23: Insulated joint IVB 30 (main trac direction)

Graphic: DB AG/Stefan Balfanz

Sketch of insulated joint design type "IVB 30" system

Concrete sleeper with


superstructure W (Skl 1K)
Abb. 24: Insulated joint IVB 30 (detail)

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

Wooden sleeper with


superstructure K (Kpo9)
Graphic: DB AG/Stefan Balfanz

27

14.06.1

Abb. 25: Insulated joint IVB 30 (original)


Photo: DB AG/Stefan Balfanz

2.3

The sleepers

Wood, concrete or steel can be used as construction materials for sleepers. The sleepers'
tasks include:

Establishing and maintaining the track gauge,


Distributing and conducting forces on the ballast,
Locating the rails,
Securing the position of the track,
Damping rail vibrations,
Reducing the influences of sound waves and body-borne sound waves on the environment.

2.3.1

The wooden sleepers

Wooden sleepers are produced using oak, red beech, pine or larch, among other woods.
The standard types of wood currently used in Europe are beech for dancing sleepers
and oak for crossing timbers. All wooden sleepers are impregnated to protect them from
rotting. The service life of an impregnated wooden sleeper is 30 to 45 years. They are
unsuitable for high-speed lines with speeds in excess of 160 km/h, as they exhibit
15percent lower lateral displacement resistance.

2.3.2

The steel sleepers

The steel sleepers are manufactured in trough form (Fig. 26). The material which is used
is steel S235JR. They have a service life of between 40 and 60 years.
Advantages:
Low weight, so easier to handle,
Low installed height, so less ballast required,
Long service life.

28

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX
Disadvantages:
Lateral displacement resistance is lower in comparison with concrete sleepers,
More complex track insulation,
Increased ballast wear.

Abb. 26: Steel sleeper ST 82

2.3.2.1

TR A
C T!

Graphic: DB AG

Y-steel sleeper St 98

The Y-steel sleepers consist of two hot-rolled IB 100S broad-flanged girders bent in an s
shape and two straight girder sections with the same profiles. The steel profiles are joined
at each end of the sleeper by means of two upper and two lower locks, which are welded
to the girder flanges (Fig. 27). The insulated support point S15 with tension clamp S14 is
used as the rail fastening.
The Y-steel sleepers are used in both the ballast superstructure and the ballastless track
system (FF) in combination with an asphalt base layer (ATS) (also see Chapter 14.3
"Ballastless track system"). In contrast to the "standard" steel sleeper, the Y-steel sleeper
exhibits high lateral and longitudinal displacement resistance. Its disadvantages include
more complex maintenance and tamping with switch tamping machines.
Installation of the Y-steel sleeper is carried out according to guideline 824.2060 and can be
accomplished using all conventional procedures (e.g. with UM1, SUZ 500).
The Y-steel sleeper is not installed on earthwork foundations in high-speed lines.

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

29

Special support profile IB 100S


(20.8 kg/m)
Tension clamp Skl 14 in
pre-assembled position
Rail fastening S 15

Upper lateral lock for absorbing


horizontal forces

Intermediate support with double


support and interchangeable inserts

Variable bending apart


of the forks
Lower lateral lock for forming lateral
displacement resistance

Abb. 27: Y-steel sleeper

2.3.3

Graphic: ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik GmbH

The reinforced concrete sleeper

Today, reinforced concrete sleepers are the standard design type for standard-gauge railway tracks (Figs. 28, 29 and 210). The prestressed concrete sleepers most commonly
used by Deutsche Bahn are the B 70 W-60, B 70 W-54, B70 W-24 and B 90 W-60/54. The
significant advantages of reinforced concrete sleepers include their extensive prevention
of track buckling caused by high weight, good gauge maintenance and long service life.
Each concrete sleeper must show the following identification:

Year of manufacture,
Rail base width,
Design series symbol,
Formwork number,
Factory symbol.

In addition to the static test, the dynamic bending test in which shock load in the track is
simulated also has to be performed as part of the certification test for concrete sleepers.
The fatigue test also forms part of the certification test, as does the measurement of
electrical sleeper resistance (minimum ballast resistance = 3 ohm/km).

30

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX

Abb. 28: Prestressed concrete sleeper B 70 W-(60 and 54)

Rail width requirement

Design series and


factory symbol

Form number

Graphic: DB AG

Manufacturing date

Abb. 29: Prestressed concrete sleeper B 70 W 24

Rail width requirement

Design series and


factory symbol

Form number

TR A
C T!

Graphic: DB AG/Stefan Balfanz

Manufacturing date

Abb. 210: Design of dancing sleeper B 90

2.3.4

Special forms of concrete sleeper

2.3.4.1

The twin sleeper

Graphic: DB AG/Stefan Balfanz

The conceptual design of the twin sleeper is based on the features of the B-70 sleeper. The
sleeper width (57 cm) is doubled and its length is shortened by 20 cm. The sleeper height,
fastening and support points are identical. Water channels are located on the outer side.

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

31

These channels are raised in the centre so that the water is able to drain off outwards. The
3 cm laying gap between the sleepers is sealed using a soft PVC cover. This prevents the
ingress of dirty water and surface water (Fig. 211).

Sleeper centre

Abb. 211: Prestressed concrete twin sleeper BBS 1 W (60 and 54)

2.3.4.2

Graphic: DB AG

The padded sleeper

In this system, the concrete sleepers are "padded" with an elastic material on the underside of the sleeper. Sylomer and Sylodyn have proved to be suitable materials for this (also
see Chapter 14.9 "Installation of special sleepers"). As part of track or sleeper renewal or new
track construction, sleepers with elastic bases or sub-ballast mats have to be installed in the area
of man-made structures (e.g. bridges, tunnels, trough structures, passages) in order to reduce
ballast stress.
Padded concrete sleepers offer advantages including the following:

Reduction of hard contact between the sleeper sole and ballast,


Reduction of ballast compaction,
The superstructure becomes more elastic,
Lines with padded sleepers exhibit very high dimensional stability with little settling,
Reduction of body-borne sound transmission,
Reduction of slip wave formation in radii with r < 500 m.

The requirements on sub-ballast mats and sleepers with elastic soles are regulated in
DB standards DBS 918 071, DBS 918 145-1 and DBS 918 145-2 (technical terms of delivery).

2.4

The sleepers of the ballastless track


system

The sleepers for constructing the ballastless track system have been developed on the
basis of the classic ballast superstructure (cross sleeper superstructure). This is the
simplest method for ensuring the required track geometry (including the track gauge) in
the ballastless track system. In this case, the sleepers may be concreted into the slab in
combination with the rails (track panel) or individually.

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DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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TR A
C T!

Different sleepers such as prestressed concrete sleepers, conventionally reinforced


concrete sleepers as twin-block concrete sleepers or steel sleepers are used for the diverse
ballastless track system design types. The most common concrete sleepers currently used
by Deutsche Bahn for certain ballastless track system design types are shown in the
following (Figs. 212 to 218):

Weight: approx. 220 kg


Rail fastening: loarv 300/1

Abb. 212: Zblin design type, concrete sleeper B 305 W-60

Graphic: Ed. Zblin AG

Abb. 213: ATD design type with twin-block concrete sleeper B 350 W-60

Graphic: Rail.One GmbH

Vossloh 300-1
rail fastening

Recess for
dowel block

Nonwoven
cloth
3 mm

Asphalt top layer


Asphalt bed structure,
poss. several layers

Abb. 214: Getrac design type with monobloc concrete sleeper B 316 W-60

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

Graphic: Rail.One GmbH

33

Abb. 215: Twin concrete sleeper BBS 3 W-60, Getrac design type

Graphic: Rail.One GmbH

Abb. 216: Twin-block concrete sleeper B 355.3 W60M for RHEDA 2000 design type

Graphic: Rail.One GmbH

1 Height- and side-adjustable


6 Foundation
rail fastening
7 Height adjustment spindle
2 Divided longitudinal sleeper
8 Connecting link
3 Embedding compound, e.g. mastic asphalt 9 Sound absorption layer
4 Load-bearing slab, e.g. rolled asphalt e.g. ballast
5 Hydraulically bound bed structure
Abb. 217: Concrete switch sleeper on asphalt bed structure

34

Graphic: DB AG

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

EX

1 Height- and side-adjustable


elastic rail fastening
2 Divided longitudinal sleeper
3 Lean-mixed concrete slab
4 Joint reinforcement

Abb. 218: Switch sleeper on concrete bed structure

2.5

5
6
7
8
9

TR A
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Load-bearing concrete slab


Hyd. bound bed structure
Height adjustment facility
Connecting link
Longitudinal reinforcement

Graphic: DB AG

The rail fastening

The rail fastening is used to securely tension the rails on the sleepers and therefore ensures
that forces are reliably conducted away, the rail is mounted with sucient elasticity and
adequate resistance to longitudinal displacement is achieved.
One of the essential functions of the fastening system in the case of concrete sleepers is
electrical insulation of the rail from the rest of the track panel. This is necessary to minimise track circuit signal losses which occur due to poor rail insulation from the foundation.
The forces acting vertically on the rail fastening are reduced by elastic rail pads beneath
the base of the rail and by accompanying spring elements.
Some of the horizontal forces transverse to the rail are absorbed by the elastic rail pads,
whilst the remainder are transferred directly onto the sleepers, e.g. through angled guide
plates.
The forces in the track's longitudinal direction (starting, braking and temperature forces)
are absorbed by the elastic rail pads and the tensioning element.
In an elastic rail fastening, the bolts are tightened in such a way that initial tension is
achieved through the elastic clip or the spring rings. The fastening is constantly subject
to the influence of force due to this initial tension. This leads to a constantly effective
fastening even under the various forces induced by the train's wheel load. The hold-down
force extensively determines the resistance to longitudinal displacement between the rail
and the sleeper.

2.5.1

The rail pad

The rail pad beneath the base of the rail acts to distribute load and serves as an elastically
damping element to isolate vibrations. Due to the elasticity of the rail pads and the related

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

35

sinking-in of the rails, the load is distributed over several sleepers. For elastic rail pads,
DB AG demands static stiffness of 40 kN/mm to 70 kN/mm and dynamic stiffness of
50 kN/mm to 130 kN/mm.
Rigid rail pads have a static stiffness of approximately 600 kN/mm.

2.5.2

The types of rail fastening

The rail fastenings described in the following are limited to the most common fastenings
used by DB AG.

2.5.2.1

K superstructure on wooden sleepers

This rail fastening is a typical representative of a separate or indirect fastening. The rail
is fastened onto the sleeper with the "ribbed plate/rail clip/T-head bolt" components (see
Figure 219). This separation of the fastening has proved appropriate in both design and
technical construction terms. The sleeper screws' bending stress is disadvantageous.

(or Kpo 6)

Abb. 219: K superstructure on wooden sleepers


Graphic: DB AG


2.5.2.2

Vossloh KS superstructure with tension clamp Skl 12

Frictional tensioning of the rail is achieved using two tension clamps, each offering a tensioning force of approximately 13 kN through the spring arms. The centre loop of tension
clamp Skl12 (Fig. 220) serves to protect the rail against tipping. The rail fastenings can
be pre-assembled on the sleeper at the sleeper factory.
The superstructure with tension clamps (KS) is applied on steel sleepers by welding the
ribbed plates onto the sleeper.

36

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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Rail

TR A
C T!

Hexagon Nut
Washer Uls

Tension Clamp Skl 12

T-Head Bolt Hs

Sleeper Screw Ss

Wooden Sleeper

Spring Washer Fe
Rail Pad Zw
Ribbed Plate Rph

Abb. 220: Rail fastening system KS on wooden sleepers

2.5.2.3

Graphic: Vossloh Fastening Systems GmbH

Superstructure W14 with tension clamp Skl 14 on concrete sleeper

As in the case of the KS superstructure, frictional tensioning of the rail is achieved using
two tension clamps, each offering a tensioning force of approximately 10 kN through the
spring arms. The centre loop of tension clamp Skl 14 serves to protect the rail against
tipping (Fig. 221).

Sleeper Screw Ss

Tension Clamp Skl 14

Rail

Angled Guide Plate Wfp

Rail Pad Zw
Concrete Sleeper
Plastic Dowel Sd

Abb. 221: Rail fastening system W14

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

Graphic: Vossloh Fastening Systems GmbH

37

2.5.2.4

Rail fastening on Y-steel sleepers

Supporting point S 15

Sleeper screw
Tension clamp
Clamp dowel
Intermediate plate
Rail pad
Guide plate (inner)
Guide plate (outer)
Steel sleeper
Item

Units

Designation

Abbreviated form

Abb. 222: Rail fastening S 15 on Y-steel sleepers 

2.5.2.5

Drawing No.

Material No.

Graphic: ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik GmbH

Superstructure 300 with tension clamp Skl 15

This fastening system is suitable for all ballastless track system laying methods.
The highly-elastic intermediate plate replaces the elasticity of the ballast bed. A steel
pressure distribution plate with corresponding rail pads is used to achieve better load
distribution on the elastic intermediate plate.
The rail rests on this and is held in position laterally by plastic angled guide plates.
The long elastic spring travel of tension clamp Skl 15 provides the rail with permanent
frictional tension. The height and track gauge of rail fastening system 300 can be adjusted
by -4 mm/+76 mm and 8 mm respectively. With spring travel of approximately 15 mm and
a hold-down force of around 2 x 9 kN, the two free spring arms frictionally tension the rail
with the concrete sleeper.

38

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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All fastening parts can be pre-assembled at the sleeper factory (Fig. 223).
The DFF 300 system with tension clamp Skl 15, which can be regulated by at least 60 mm
and 46 mm in terms of height and track gauge respectively, can also be used for repair and
redevelopment purposes (Fig. 224).

Sleeper Screw Ss

Rail

Tension Clamp Skl 15

Angled Guide Plate Wfp

Rail Pad Zw

Base Plate Grp

Concrete Sleeper

Elastic Baseplate Pad Zwp


Plastic Dowel Sd

Abb. 223: Rail fastening system 300 with Skl 15

Graphic: Vossloh Fastening Systems GmbH

Abb. 224: Rail fastening system DFF 300 with Skl 15

Graphic: Vossloh Fastening Systems GmbH

40

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

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2.6

The ballast bed

The ballast forms part of the superstructure and has the following tasks:

TR A
C T!

Transferring and distributing vertical forces from the sleeper into the subgrade,
Securing the position of the track in the lateral and longitudinal direction,
Keeping the superstructure dry thanks to water and air permeability,
Adjustability of the track bed.

The ballast bed consists of crushed natural stone with a coarse grain size of 22.4 mm to
63 mm. Hard stones such as granite, basalt, diabase, etc. are most suitable.
DB distinguishes between new ballast and reprocessed ballast. New track ballast has to be
produced using rock found in quarries. Reprocessed ballast also called recycled ballast
is old ballast which has been treated in reprocessing plants after removal from the track.
The requirements on new and recycled ballast are regulated in DB standard DBS 918 061
"Technical terms of delivery, track ballast". It specifies geometrical and physical requirements as well as requirements relating to purity and the characteristics of the stone.
Ballast class "S" is a special type of ballast. This is installed along track sections with
speeds of v > 230 km/h. Particularly high requirements are therefore made on ballast
class "S".
When working on the ballast bed, the ballast embankment should be created with an
inclination of 1 : 1.25. When designing the ballast profile, a ballast embankment inclination
of 1 : 1.5 must be used as the basis.
The ballast embankment inclination of 1 : 1.5 is used to determine the base point of the
ballast embankment on the subgrade. The 1 : 1.25 inclination (natural angle of repose of
ballast) ensures adherence to the track bench width in the event that the track is raised
due to tamping work. A calculation programme for determining the embankment base point
and the volume of ballast required is available in guideline 823.0100Z08.
The required track bed thickness is dependent on the sleeper spacing, the sleeper width
and the ballast's angle of repose, and is at least 30 cm beneath the lower edge of the
sleeper (measured as of the lower edge of the sleeper beneath the non-superelevated rail).
A thickness of 35 cm is required for high-speed lines as of a speed of v > 230 km/h.
The standard track bed thickness must be produced in accordance with annexes 04 06
of guideline 820.2010. In addition, the thickness of the track bed beneath the rail support
should not exceed 60 cm.
To prevent the track from slipping to the side, a ballast width of 30 to 50 cm is required up
to the ends of the sleepers. In addition to the ballast in the space between the sleepers
and beneath the sleepers, the ballast up to the ends of the sleepers contributes significantly towards lateral displacement resistance.

DB manual - Work procedures for permanent way maintenance

41

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