EP3947815B1 - Ballastless track section for a rail vehicle - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a track without ballast for a railway vehicle. The invention relates more particularly to a section of track for a railway vehicle intended to enable the manufacture of a running track for a railway vehicle by placing a plurality of track sections according to the invention end to end.

Technology background

Since the birth of railway tracks, it has been known to install these tracks on ballast, that is to say on a bed of crushed stones or gravel. The ballast makes it possible to distribute on the platform of the underlying track the forces transmitted by the sleepers under the action of rolling loads. The ballast thus makes it possible to limit the compaction of the platform. The ballast also makes it possible to embed the sleepers to limit their displacements and their deformations.

For several years, ballastless track projects have been on the rise, particularly tracks on concrete slabs. Indeed, a track without ballast has the advantages of minimizing track maintenance costs and extending its life.

Such a track without ballast generally comprises a foundation layer of concrete or asphalt on which is placed a concrete slab cast in place or prefabricated and intended to support and anchor the rails of the track.

One of the difficulties encountered when making such a track without ballast is the precision required when laying the concrete slabs on the underlying foundation layer because this directly determines the geometry of the track. In addition, in the event of a necessary cant on the route of the track, the earthwork of the foundation layer must be adapted to form the cant before the installation of the concrete slabs. Adjusting the center distance can also pose technical difficulties. Finally, after adjusting the geometry of the track, it is necessary to seal or anchor the concrete slabs so that they are immobilized permanently.

EP 2 184 402 A shows a track section without ballast for a railway vehicle intended to be fixed on a track platform, said track section comprising a precast concrete track slab comprising two sills extending along a longitudinal direction, for each sill, a plurality of transverse blocks for holding a longitudinal rail mounted on an upper face of the said sill, and at each longitudinal end of the sill, a rounded support carried by a lower face of the said sill, for each longitudinal end of the said slab, a prefabricated support stud of at least this longitudinal end of the slab, said prefabricated support stud comprising a plate and a longitudinal central block projecting from said plate, and delimiting on both sides on the other side of said central block, at least two support bases for the two stringers of this longitudinal end of the said slab, each base comprising at least one shim of predetermined thickness arranged on the said plate and intended to support the said rounded support of the stringer said slab facing this base, once this slab has been mounted on said stud, and implicitly, for each support stud, foundation means for this support stud in said track platform.

The applicant has thus already proposed a track without ballast for a guided transport vehicle comprising a track platform and a plurality of track sections each comprising a track panel formed by two sills extending along a longitudinal axis, each sill further comprising an upper longitudinal groove for receiving a rail, and crosspieces integral with the stringers and extending transversely between them. The track section already proposed by the applicant further comprises a plurality of panel supports configured to be able to support the panel above the track platform. The supports each comprise a fixing stud capable of being fixed to the platform, a cradle capable of supporting the panel, and means for vertical displacement of said cradle relative to said stud so as to be able to adjust the height of the panel relative to said platform and define the cant of the track section. The vertical displacement means comprise a wedge wedge resting on a bottom of a bowl for receiving the stud, the wedge carrying the cradle which is mounted to move vertically along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the stud.

Such a track section thus makes it possible to precisely adjust the geometry of the track after its installation on the track platform. In particular, the height of each sill (and therefore the height of each rail housed in the groove of the sill) can be adjusted after its installation. This height of the sill (that is to say the distance which separates the platform from the sill) is defined and regulated by a displacement of the support cradle of a sill obtained by the displacement of the wedge at the corner of each support .

This being the case, the inventors have sought to improve the proposed solution, in particular to be able to simplify the adjustment of the track and to propose a more compact version of the means for adjusting the track after its installation.

Objectives of the invention

The invention aims to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of known ballastless tracks.

In particular, the invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section whose geometry (cant, height) can be adjusted after its installation by simple and compact design means.

The invention also aims to provide a section of track which does not require a slab of concrete or mastic asphalt in order to be able to be installed.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a section of track which allows a correction of the geometry of the track thus formed after its installation and at any time during the life of the track thus formed. , in particular to compensate for the settlements linked to the operation of the track.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section that can be quickly installed by track laying teams.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section which is easy to maintain.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section which is not very sensitive to flooding.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section which can be installed on different types of engineering structure, such as tunnels, viaducts, in particular U-shaped viaducts, bridges , booms, etc.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a track section which limits its impact on the ecosystem of the location of the track.

Disclosure of Invention

• une dalle de voie préfabriqué en béton comprenant deux longrines s'étendant le long d'une direction longitudinale et, à chaque extrémité longitudinale de la dalle, une échancrure séparant lesdites longrines, de manière à former une dalle de voie en forme de H,
• pour chaque longrine, une pluralité de blochets transversaux de maintien d'un rail longitudinal montés sur une face supérieure de ladite longrine, et à chaque extrémité longitudinale de la longrine, un appui arrondi porté par une face inférieure de ladite longrine et présentant une courbure dont le centre de courbure est le sommet dudit rail porté par les blochets de cette longrine,

• pour chaque extrémité longitudinale de ladite dalle, un plot de support préfabriqué d'au moins cette extrémité longitudinale de la dalle, ledit plot de support préfabriqué comprenant un plateau et un bloc central longitudinal en saillie dudit plateau destiné à s'étendre dans l'échancrure de cette extrémité longitudinale de ladite dalle, une fois cette dalle montée sur ce plot, et délimitant de part et d'autre dudit bloc central, au moins deux embases de support des deux longrines de cette extrémité longitudinale de ladite dalle, chaque embase comprenant au moins une cale d'épaisseur prédéterminée agencée sur ledit plateau et destinée à supporter ledit appui arrondi de la longrine de ladite dalle en regard de cette embase, une fois cette dalle montée sur ledit plot,
• pour chaque plot de support, des moyens de fondation de ce plot support dans ladite plateforme de voie.

To do this, the invention relates to a track section without ballast for a railway vehicle intended to be fixed on a track platform, characterized in that said track section comprises:

• a precast concrete track slab comprising two stringers extending along a longitudinal direction and, at each longitudinal end of the slab, a notch separating said stringers, so as to form an H-shaped track slab,
• for each sill, a plurality of transverse blocks of retaining a longitudinal rail mounted on an upper face of the said sill, and at each longitudinal end of the sill, a rounded support carried by a lower face of the said sill and having a curvature whose center of curvature is the top of the said carried rail by the blocks of this sill,

• for each longitudinal end of said slab, a prefabricated support stud for at least this longitudinal end of the slab, said prefabricated support stud comprising a plate and a longitudinal central block projecting from said plate intended to extend into the recess of this longitudinal end of said slab, once this slab has been mounted on this stud, and delimiting on either side of said central block, at least two support bases for the two stringers of this longitudinal end of said slab, each base comprising at least least one shim of predetermined thickness arranged on said plate and intended to support said rounded support of the sill of said slab facing this base, once this slab is mounted on said stud,
• for each support block, foundation means for this support block in said track platform.

The track section according to the invention consists exclusively of prefabricated parts (prefabricated concrete slab and prefabricated support studs), which makes it possible to control the manufacturing quality of the parts and to facilitate the installation of the track section on a track platform. In addition, the use of prefabricated parts associated with track geometry adjustment means makes it possible to satisfy all track layout configurations (alignments, curves, connections, slopes, etc.).

A section of track according to the invention makes it possible to adjust the precise geometry of the track at the time of its installation and after its installation on a platform without ballast.

In particular, the height of each rail carried by the blocks of each sill can be adjusted after its installation. This rail height (i.e. the distance between the top of the rail and the platform) is defined and regulated by the track slab support studs (also referred to as the track panel throughout the text).

To do this, each support pad comprises a plate and a longitudinal central block projecting from the plate intended to extend into the notch of this longitudinal end, once this slab is mounted on this pad. In other words, the slab (or panel) is carried by two support blocks arranged respectively at each of these two longitudinal ends.

In addition, the central block of each stud delimits at least two support bases for the two stringers of this longitudinal end of the slab, each base comprising at least one shim of predetermined thickness arranged on the plate and intended to support the rounded support , which has a curved surface whose center of curvature is the top of the rail carried by the blocks of this sill.

This particular structure of the block makes it possible to form simply, with a reduced number of parts, a system for adjusting the height and cant of the track section.

In particular, a section of track according to the invention does not require forming a cant directly on the earthwork of the track prior to the installation of the track. This cant can be formed after installation, by tilting the track slab, which facilitates track laying operations.

This inclination results from a stack of wedges on one of the bases of the pedestal to make the slab pivot around a longitudinal axis. In particular, the rounded support in contact with the shims having a center of curvature curvature coinciding with the top of the rail, the vertical displacement of the sill which results from a stack of shims of predetermined thickness generates a pivoting of the slab around a longitudinal axis.

Adjusting the heights of the wedges also allows vertical and/or lateral adjustment of the slab.

A section of track according to the invention therefore makes it possible, by adapting the height of the wedges and/or by stacking wedges of predetermined thickness on the bases of the plot, to define the height of the slab and its inclination.

A section of track according to the invention also allows compensation for the differential settling of the track platform by individual adjustment of each stud. The adjustment functionality of the track section according to the invention also allows adjustment and correction of the geometry of the track during its life. The precision of the earthwork is also less critical than with tracks of the prior art due to the possibility of being able to subsequently refine the height of each stringer relative to the platform and to compensate for any earthwork faults.

Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one stud comprises, on either side of the central block, two support bases for two stringers separated by a transverse stiffening wall, so that this stud can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs.

This advantageous variant makes it possible to use the same stud to support two longitudinal ends of two successive slabs. In other words, a stud according to this variant makes the link between two consecutive slabs to form a railway track. The stud then comprises two pairs of bases (four bases in total), each pair of bases being configured to carry a longitudinal end of one of the two consecutive slabs.

In addition, the transerval stiffening wall acts as a stiffener for the stud in the transverse direction.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said central block of at least one support stud - in particular of each support stud - comprises at least one longitudinal stop carried by a longitudinal wall of said central block so as to be able to block any longitudinal movement of the slab whose indentation receives this longitudinal wall of the central block.

According to this advantageous variant, the central block carries a longitudinal stop of the slab to prevent any longitudinal displacement of the slab relative to the support stud.

This longitudinal stop is for example made of an elastomeric material.

In the case where the stud is configured to carry two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs, the central block preferably comprises a longitudinal stop on each of its two longitudinal walls in order to be able to block any longitudinal movement of each of the two slabs carried by this stud.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said central block of at least one stud comprises at least one lateral abutment mounted on a side wall of said central block so as to be able to block any lateral movement of the slab whose indentation receives this side wall of the central block.

According to this advantageous variant, the central block carries a lateral abutment of the slab to prevent any lateral displacement of the slab relative to the support stud. This lateral stop is for example made of an elastomeric material. Preferably, the central block comprises two lateral abutments mounted respectively on the two side walls of the central block in order to be able to block any lateral displacement (regardless of the direction of displacement) of the slab relative to the stud.

In the case where the stud is configured to carry two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs, the central block preferably comprises two lateral stops for each of the two slabs (in other words, four lateral stops in all).

Advantageously and according to the invention, said central block of at least one stud comprises at least one adjustable lateral stop so as to be able to define the lateral space which separates said central block from each slab carried by this stud.

According to this advantageous variant, at least one side stop - preferably each side stop - is adjustable, that is to say it is possible to adjust the distance which separates the end of the side stop from the wall of the block central. This adjustment can for example be obtained by threaded means formed by an internal thread made in the side wall of the central block and an abutment which has a thread matching the internal thread of the side wall. The screwing or unscrewing of the stop in the tapping makes it possible to define the distance which separates the side wall from the central block of the slab. This adjustment of the lateral stops makes it possible to adjust the placement of the slab relative to the pedestal.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said bases of the wedges of at least one stud are inclined towards said central block to allow better stability of each slab carried by this stud.

According to this advantageous variant, the bases of the wedges are inclined towards the central block so as to form a truncated V. The wedges are placed on the inclined branches of the V and receive the rounded supports carried by the lower faces of the slab stringers. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the assembly by concentrating the forces towards the central block.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said slab further comprises, at each longitudinal end, on either side of said notch, at least one threaded insert made in said slab and opening opposite said plate of the stud carrying this end of the slab, once the slab is mounted on said pedestal, so as to allow vertical lifting of said slab relative to the pedestal by screwing a lifting screw into said insert which bears against said plate of said pedestal.

This advantageous variant makes it possible to lift the slab vertically, during track adjustment operations, to add or remove adjustment wedges and/or to adjust the adjustable side stops. According to another variant, the vertical lifting of the slab of the track section can be obtained by the implementation of a hydraulic cylinder such as a lifting jack or any equivalent means.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said foundation means of at least one stud in said track platform comprise at least one pile per sill support base.

This advantageous variant makes it possible to ensure the anchoring of each stud in the platform by piles, preferably at least one pile per base. In other words, in the case where the stud comprises four bases for supporting two longitudinal ends of two successive slabs, the stud comprises four piles.

These piles can be of any type. They can be drilled, sunk or screwed into the platform depending on the nature of the ground and the bearing capacity to be obtained.

The foundation means of a block of a section of track according to the invention have a dual function of anchoring the block in the platform and of bearing of the ground under the pedestal.

A section of track according to the invention can not only be anchored on a platform of a track without ballast by means of the foundation means of the studs in the platform, but it can also be installed on a raft of a tunnel or a deck of a bridge or a viaduct for example, in which case the studs are directly attached to the base of the tunnel or to the deck of the bridge or viaduct.

As part of the construction of a track with a plurality of track sections according to the invention, the piles of each block can be chosen differently to adapt to the nature of the ground on which the block is located.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said rounded supports of said stringers of said slab are formed from elastomer.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said shims of predetermined thickness arranged on said plate of said block are made of steel.

The invention also relates to a track without ballast for a railway vehicle comprising a track platform and a plurality of track sections according to the invention fixed successively on said track platform.

The technical advantages and effects of a section of track according to the invention apply mutatis mutandis to a track without ballast according to the invention.

List of Figures

• [Fig. 1] est une vue schématique en perspective d'une section de voie selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig. 2] est une vue schématique détaillée d'un plot et d'une extrémité longitudinale d'une dalle de voie de la section de voie de la figure 1.
• [Fig. 3] est une vue schématique en perspective de côté du plot de la figure 2.
• [Fig. 4] est une vue schématique de côté du plot de la figure 3 comprenant en outre des moyens de levage de la dalle de voie.
• [Fig. 5] est une vue schématique de profil d'une section de voie selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given solely by way of non-limiting and which refers to the appended figures in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic perspective view of a track section according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig. 2 ] is a detailed schematic view of a stud and a longitudinal end of a track slab of the track section of the figure 1 .
• [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic side perspective view of the stud of the picture 2 .
• [ Fig. 4 ] is a schematic side view of the stud of the picture 3 further comprising means for lifting the track slab.
• [ Fig. 5 ] is a schematic profile view of a track section according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

In the figures, scales and proportions are not strictly adhered to, for purposes of illustration and clarity. Throughout the following detailed description with reference to the figures, unless otherwise indicated, each element of a section of track is described as it is arranged when the section of track is anchored in a platform to form a traffic lane of a railway vehicle. This configuration is represented in particular on the figure 1 .

The terms longitudinal, transverse and vertical are used without limitation in reference to the trihedron L, T, V as represented on the figure 1 . The longitudinal direction corresponds to the direction of the rails of the track section and defines the direction of movement of a rail vehicle using this track section. The vertical direction is the direction defined by the gravity of the installation location of the track section. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

In addition, identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references in all the figures.

The figure 1 schematically illustrates a track section according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a precast concrete track slab 20 (also referred to by the term track panel) and two studs 30, 130 arranged at each of the longitudinal ends 20a , 20b of the slab 20 of track. The figure 1 also illustrates a portion of a second slab 120 of track, one longitudinal end of which rests on the stud 130, the other longitudinal end of this second slab 120 resting on another stud not shown on the figure 1 .

Throughout the following, the same references are used for the constituent elements of the tiles 20, 120 and the pads 30, 130 for clarity and insofar as the characteristics of the two pads and of the two tiles are identical.

The slab 20 of precast concrete track comprises two stringers 21, 22 which each extend along the longitudinal direction L. The slab 20 further has, at each of its longitudinal ends 20a, 20b, a notch 23, 24. Thus, the slab 20 has a general H shape.

Each sill 21, 22 also carries a plurality of transverse blocks 21a, 22a for holding a longitudinal rail 21b, 22b. The blocks 21a, 22a are for example formed of concrete and sealed in the slab 20 of the track. The means for holding the rails 21b, 22b can be of any type and are not described here in detail.

Each sill also includes, at each of its longitudinal ends, and as shown on the figure 3 and 5 , a rounded support 21c, 22c, for example made of elastomer, carried by an underside of the sill. This rounded support 21c, 22c has a curvature whose center of curvature is the top of the rail 21b, 22b carried by this sill.

In other words, the geometry of the rounded support 21c, 22c (and in particular its curvature) depends on the thickness of the slab, the height of the blocks and the height of the rails carried by the blocks so that once these various elements are assembled, the center of curvature of the rounded support 21c, 22c coincides with the top of the rail 21b, 22b.

Each rounded support 21c, 22c rests on a stack of wedges 33a, 34a, formed for example of steel. The height of the wedges or the number of wedges (in the case where the wedges have identical thicknesses) makes it possible to adjust the height and cant of the track section.

The wedges 33a, 34a rest on bases 33, 34. These bases 33, 34 are formed on a plate 31 of the block and separated from each other by a central block 32 longitudinal. The plate 31 has the general shape of a truncated V whose branches of the V form the bases inclined towards the longitudinal central block 32 which stands in the center of the truncated V.

Each branch of the truncated V preferably extends parallel to the lower surface of the sill which carries the rounded support arranged opposite the base formed by this branch of the truncated V.

The base 33 receives the stack of wedges 33a on which the support 21c of the sill 21 comes to rest. The base 34 receives the stack of wedges 34a on which the support 22c of the sill 22 comes to bear.

According to the embodiment of the figures, each stud 30, 130 comprises, on either side of the central block 32, two support bases for two stringers separated by a transverse wall 37, 38, so that this stud 30 , 130 can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs. In other words, a stud according to the embodiment of the figures supports the two adjacent longitudinal ends of two consecutive track slabs. Each stud 30, 130 has, according to the embodiment of the figures, a symmetry with respect to a transverse plane (with the exception of the heights of the wedges which may be different on either side of the plane of symmetry insofar as the setting of the two consecutive track slabs may be different from one slab to another).

Throughout the following, the same references are used for each element on either side of this transverse plane of symmetry.

The central block 32 of the stud 30 also comprises and as shown in particular on the figure 2 , two longitudinal walls 32a, 32b and two side walls 32c, 32d. Each longitudinal wall 32a, 32b further comprises a longitudinal stop 35a, 35b. Each longitudinal stop 35a, 35b is for example formed from elastomer. It can for example be slidably mounted in a groove formed on the longitudinal wall 32a, 32b of the central block. These longitudinal stops make it possible to prevent any longitudinal displacement of the slab 20.

In addition, each side wall 32c, 32d comprises two side stops 36a, 36b which extend into each notch of the slab 20. These side stops 36a, 36b are formed for example of elastomer and make it possible to prevent any lateral movement of the slab in relation to plot 30.

According to the embodiment of the figures, each side stop 36a, 36b is formed of a threaded rod configured to be able to be screwed into a matching thread formed in the side wall 32c, 32d of the central block so as to be able to define the distance which separates the central block 32 of the slab 20.

As shown schematically on the figure 2 , 4 and 5 , the track section preferably comprises, at each longitudinal end 20a, 20b of the slab 20, 120 on either side of the notch 23, 24 made at this end, a threaded insert 27a, 27b made in the slab 20, 120 which opens opposite the plate 31 of the stud 30, 130. Each insert 27a, 27b is configured to be able to receive a lifting screw 28 which, once screwed, bears against the plate 31 of the stud 30, 130 which causes a vertical displacement of the slab 20 relative to the stud 30 anchored in the platform.

In other words, the combination of the threaded insert 27a, 27b and the lifting screw 28 makes it possible to form means for vertical lifting of the slab 20 relative to the stud 30. This in particular makes it possible to insert the wedges 33a , 34a to adjust the orientation and position of the slab 20.

The figure 5 schematically illustrates how a track section according to the invention can be adjusted. In particular, if during the initial adjustment of the track or following a settling of the ground, the geometry of the track section must be corrected, the invention makes it possible to modify the orientation of the slab, without destroying the track and without particular difficulties.

In particular, it is considered that the initial adjustment of the track consisted in arranging under the rounded supports 21c, 22c, wedges 33a, 34a which respectively have heights H1 and H2.

• l'ajout d'une cale d'épaisseur e sur chacune des deux cales 33a, 34a (après levage de la dalle 20 par le biais des vis de levage 28 insérées dans les inserts 27a, 27b) permet de surélever d'une hauteur e la dalle 20 selon la direction verticale,
• le remplacement des cales 33a, 34a par des cales d'épaisseurs respectives H1-e et H2-e (après levage de la dalle 20 par le biais des vis de levage 28 insérées dans les inserts 27a, 27b) permet d'abaisser d'une hauteur e la dalle selon la direction verticale,
• l'ajout d'un cale d'épaisseur e sur la cale 33a et le remplacement de la cale 34a par une cale d'épaisseur H2-e permet de déplacer latéralement la dalle 20 d'une distance e vers la gauche de la figure 5,
• l'ajout d'une cale d'épaisseur e sur la cale 34a et le remplacement de la cale 33a par une cale d'épaisseur H1-e permet de déplacer latéralement la dalle 20 d'une distance e vers la droite de la figure 5,
• l'ajout d'une cale d'épaisseur e sur la cale 34a, sans modification de la cale 33a permet de faire pivoter la dalle 20 par rapport à un axe longitudinal pour former un dévers vers la gauche de la figure 5,
• l'ajout d'une cale d'épaisseur e sur la cale 33a, sans modification de la cale 34a permet de faire pivoter la dalle 20 par rapport à un axe longitudinal pour former un dévers vers la droite de la figure 5.

The particular structure of the track section according to the invention allows the following adjustments to be made:

• the addition of a shim of thickness e on each of the two shims 33a, 34a (after lifting the slab 20 by means of the lifting screws 28 inserted in the inserts 27a, 27b) makes it possible to raise by a height e the slab 20 in the vertical direction,
• the replacement of the shims 33a, 34a by shims of respective thicknesses H1-e and H2-e (after lifting the slab 20 by means of the lifting screws 28 inserted in the inserts 27a, 27b) makes it possible to lower a height of the slab in the vertical direction,
• the addition of a shim of thickness e on the shim 33a and the replacement of the shim 34a by a shim of thickness H2-e makes it possible to move the slab 20 laterally by a distance e to the left of the figure 5 ,
• the addition of a spacer of thickness e on the spacer 34a and the replacement of the spacer 33a by a spacer of thickness H1-e makes it possible to move the slab 20 laterally by a distance e to the right of the figure 5 ,
• the addition of a shim of thickness e on the shim 34a, without modifying the shim 33a, allows the slab 20 to be pivoted with respect to a longitudinal axis to form a cant to the left of the figure 5 ,
• the addition of a shim of thickness e on the shim 33a, without modifying the shim 34a, allows the slab 20 to be pivoted with respect to a longitudinal axis to form a cant to the right of the figure 5 .

Thus, a stud of a section of track according to the invention makes it possible to adjust the orientation of the slab in a simple manner with a minimum of standardized parts.

In the case of the construction of a new track or the regeneration of a track, the invention allows, by the successive adjustment of the various studs supporting the various successive slabs of the track, the definition of the geometry of the track ( height and slope), after the installation of the various pedestals and the various slabs on the pedestals.

In addition, each slab resting on two successive blocks, it frees a space between the platform and the slab, which allows rainwater to flow under the slabs if necessary and insects and other batrachians living in the vicinity of the track to travel under the track. A pathway according to the invention is therefore more respectful of the ecosystem than the pathways of the prior art.

The invention defined by the claims appended below is not limited solely to the embodiments described in connection with the figures. In particular, a stud of a track section according to the invention can form the support only for one longitudinal end of a track slab and not for two longitudinal ends of two successive slabs as illustrated in the figures. If necessary, the installation of a track requires twice as many studs, for an equivalent track, as the installation of the track, each stud of which makes it possible to support the two longitudinal ends of two successive slabs.

Claims (12)

1. Ballastless track section for a rail vehicle intended to be fastened on a track platform (10), characterized in that said track section comprises:

   - a prefabricated concrete track slab (20, 120) comprising two stringers (21, 22) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and, at each longitudinal end (20a, 20b) of the slab, a notch (23, 24) separating said stringers (21, 22) so as to form an H-shaped track slab (20);

   - for each stringer (21, 22), a plurality of transverse supporting blocks (21a, 22a) for maintaining a longitudinal rail (21b, 22b) and mounted on an upper face of said stringers, and at each longitudinal end of said stringers, a rounded bearing surface (21c, 22c) borne by an underside of said stringers and having a curvature whose center of curvature is the top of the respective rail (21b, 22b) maintained by the blocks;

   - for each longitudinal end of said slab, a prefabricated support pad (30, 130) of at least this longitudinal end of the slab, said prefabricated support pad (30, 130) comprising a plate (31) and a longitudinal central block (32) projecting from said plate (31) intended to extend into the notch (23, 24) of this longitudinal end of said slab, once this slab is mounted on this pad, and delimiting, on either side of said central block, at least two support bases (33, 34) for the two longitudinal stringers of this longitudinal end of said slab, each base (33, 34) comprising at least one shim (33a, 34a) of predetermined thickness arranged on said plate (31) and intended to support said rounded bearing surface (21c, 22c) of the stringer of said slab facing this base, once this slab is mounted on said pad;

   - for each support pad (30, 130), foundation means for this support pad in said track platform (10).
2. Track section according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one pad (30, 130) comprises, on either side of the central block (32), two support bases for two stringers separated by a transverse stiffening wall (37, 38), so that this pad (30) can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs.
3. Track section according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said central block (32) of at least one pad (30) comprises at least one longitudinal stop (35) borne by a longitudinal wall of said central block (32) so as to be able to block any longitudinal displacement of the slab (10) whose notch receives this longitudinal wall of the central block.
4. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said central block (32) of at least one pad (30) comprises at least one lateral stop (36) mounted on a side wall of said central block (32) so as to be able to block any lateral displacement of the slab, the notch of which receives this side wall of the central block.
5. Track section according to claim 4, characterized in that said central block (32) of at least one pad (30) comprises at least one adjustable lateral stop (36) so as to be able to define the lateral space that separates said central block from each slab borne by this pad.
6. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said bases (33, 34) of the shims (33a, 34a) of at least one pad (30) are inclined toward said central block (32) to allow better stability of each slab borne by this pad.
7. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said slab (20) further comprises, at each longitudinal end (20a, 20b), on either side of said notch (23, 24), at least one threaded insert (27a, 27b) arranged in said slab (20) and emerging facing said plate (31) of the pad (30) bearing this end of the slab, once the slab is mounted on said pad, so as to allow vertical lifting of said slab relative to the pad by screwing a lifting screw (28) into said insert that bears against said plate (31) of said pad (30).
8. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one pad (20) comprises, on either side of the central block (32), two support bases for two stringers separated by a transverse wall (37, 38), so that this pad can support two longitudinal ends of two consecutive slabs.
9. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said foundation means for at least one pad in said track platform comprise at least one pile per stringer support base.
10. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said rounded bearing surfaces (21c, 22c) of said longitudinal stringers of said slab are formed from an elastomer.
11. Track section according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said shims (33a, 34a) of predetermined thickness arranged on said plate (32) of said pad are made of steel.
12. Ballastless track for a rail vehicle comprising a track platform and a plurality of track sections according to one of claims 1 to 11 successively fastened to said track platform.

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