Floating Slab Track above Ground for Turnouts in Tram Lines

Abstract

There is undoubtedly a remarkable revival of trams. Trams are an effective means of mass transit that can move large crowds directly to the downtown shopping and work areas. Inevitably, some tracks will have to be routed through narrow streets in close proximity to buildings. In these cases, abatement measures are required to avoid the transmission of noise and vibration which otherwise would annoy residents. Then the installation of a floating slab system should be taken into consideration. Especially in the areas of crossings and turnouts, high-performance floating slabs are often the best choice. The present paper highlights low-frequency floating slabs using steel springs thus achieving the high reduction in noise and vibration levels. Two projects commissioned in 2006 are described.