The DINATRANS project works on developing a prototype transition zone between slab track and ballast track for high-speed freight and passenger railway lines designed to minimize material wear, loss of geometry and track quality.
Joining a stretch of ballast track to a stretch of slab track is done through transition zones. These zones are designed to minimize excess wear due to sharp changes in the vertical rigidity of the track. This sudden change causes the material under the track to wear more quickly, thus increasing maintenance costs and reducing the useful life of the infrastructure.
The aim of the DINATRANS Project is to develop a prototype transition zone to minimize these issues. Maintaining the geometry and quality of the track reduces damage due to the dynamic stresses caused by the circulation of trains, and leads to savings in track maintenance and conservation costs.
DINATRANS approaches the issue using advanced
dynamic simulation models adapted to the Spanish national railway
network. This requires carrying out the design, approval,
implementation, verification and patenting of the elements making up the
transition.
