It all started in Austria

Slab Track Austria technology is a state-of-the-art technological solution used in railroad track construction, patented by PORR AG. Unlike traditional ballasted track, where the rails are attached to sleepers that lie on a layer of crushed stone (ballast), slab track uses a concrete slab as a base for the rails.

Work on the Slab Track system began in the late 1970s and early 1980s in Austria. The first section of track that was made using this innovative technology was put into service in 1989. It was commissioned by the Austrian rail network manager and made by PORR AG. Despite the passage of time and heavy use, the slabs that are at its foundation have not yet required repair or replacement.

Since 1995, Slab Track has been the standard track pavement system used in Austria. Its reliability and performance have led to its successful use in the expansion of railroad infrastructure also outside its homeland, such as in Germany, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Qatar and Australia. The total length of track pavement around the world made with Slab Track technology is more than 1,500 kilometres.

Advantages of Slab Track technology

1. Durability and stability: The estimated life of Slab Track is 50 years. It remains stable and durable throughout its life, which is especially important on high-speed lines and in tunnels.
2. Low maintenance costs: A concrete slab is less susceptible to wear and deformation, which reduces the required track maintenance work to a minimum.
3. Quick installation and easy maintenance: Both track laying and repairs require a relatively small number of workers and equipment. The system makes it possible to carry out maintenance work, such as adjusting the track's nullification or replacing individual panels in case of damage or failure.
4. Precision and safety: The panel prefabrication process guarantees the delivery of a product of consistently high quality and repeatability. This makes it possible to maintain a high level of precision in track alignment, resulting in a higher level of safety and travel comfort.
5. Less vibration and noise: Using a resilient mounting system and elastic layers, the technology effectively reduces vibrations and noise generated by passing trains.
6. Flexibility and versatility: The Slab Track system offers ample opportunity to tailor the project to the specific circumstances and needs of the client. Slab Track pavement works well on the ground, in engineering structures (bridges, overpasses), as well as in tunnels, including subway tunnels.

Application of Slab Track technology

1. High-speed rail: Slab Track technology is often used on high-speed lines (up to 400 km/h), where very high track stability and precision are required.
2. Tunnels and bridges: Due to its durability and ability to reduce vibration, slab track is a good solution in tunnels and on bridges.
3. Urban rail systems: The technology is also used in urban rail and streetcar systems, where reducing noise and vibration is particularly important.