AU2009295241B2

AU2009295241B2 - Track supporting layer

Info

Publication number: AU2009295241B2
Application number: AU2009295241A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Bernhard Neumann
Original assignee: Gmundner Fertigteile GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Gmundner Fertigteile GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2008-09-19
Filing date: 2009-09-18
Publication date: 2014-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-18
Also published as: JP5325300B2; WO2010031099A1; AU2009295241A1; EP2329079B1; JP2012503115A; RU2509835C2; EP2329079A1; AT10905U1; RU2011115181A

Abstract

The invention relates to a track supporting layer (1, 1’), which in the form of a series (27, 27’) of such consecutively arranged track supporting layers forms a basis for the rails (9) of a track. The track supporting layer has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, the legs of which define the course of the faces (2, 3) of the track supporting layer (1, 1’) and the mutually parallel sides of which define the course of the lateral surfaces (5, 6) of the track supporting layer which extend in the longitudinal direction. The channels (8) running between the faces (2, 3) of the track supporting layer have a bent or arched course. The concave side (16) of this course faces the shortest lateral surface (6).

Description

- 1 TRACK-SUPPORTING LAYER Technical Field The disclosure relates to a track-supporting layer which, in the form of a series of such consecutively arranged track supporting layers, forms a base for the rails of a track and which, on its upper surface, has groove-like channels for receiving the rails of the track. Background Art Track-supporting layers of the above-mentioned kind can substitute for sleepers as bases for the rails of tracks, whereby less maintenance expenditures are usually required than with sleeper-supported tracks, because the layers would hardly sink into their beds, even under heavy load. For the upper surfaces of such track-supporting layers, it is, moreover, possible to directly form a circulation area for road traffic and/or pedestrians. The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the track-supporting layer as disclosed herein. Summary Disclosed herein is a track-supporting layer. In some forms, the truck-supporting layer which, in the form of a series of such consecutively arranged track-supporting layers, forms a base for the rails of a track and which, on its upper surface, has groove-like channels for receiving the rails of the track, wherein the track-supporting layer, seen in top view, has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, whose legs define the courses of the two end faces of the track-supporting layer, each of which end faces faces a track-supporting layer adjoining the respective track-supporting layer in the series of track supporting layers, and whose mutually parallel sides define the 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 2 courses of the two side faces of the track-supporting layer extending in the longitudinal direction of the track, that the groove-like channels provided for receiving the rails and extending from one end face of the track-supporting layer to the other end face thereof have bent or arched courses, wherein the perspective cross section of the respective channel to be seen from an end face of the track-supporting layer, which undergoes a lateral optical constriction by the side faces of the channel owing to the bent or arched channel course, is adapted to receive in it the cross section of a rail of the track so as to enable the insertion of such a straight rail in the respective bent or arched channel, and that the concave side of the course of each of the channels provided for receiving the rails faces the shorter side face of the track-supporting layer, seen in top view. In some forms, an advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides a track-supporting layer of the initially mentioned kind, which can be used for differently shaped track courses to form the rail-supporting bases of such tracks. The track-supporting layer of the initially defined kind, which may be designed according to the invention may be characterized in that the track-supporting layer, seen in top view, has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, whose legs define the courses of the two end faces of the track-supporting layer, each of which end faces faces a track-supporting layer adjoining the respective track-supporting layer in the series of track supporting layers, and whose mutually parallel sides define the courses of the two side faces of the track-supporting layer extending in the longitudinal direction of the track, that the groove-like channels provided for receiving the rails and extending from one end face of the track-supporting layer to the other end face thereof have bent or arched courses, wherein the perspective cross section of the respective channel to be seen from an end face of the track-supporting layer, which undergoes a lateral optical constriction by the side faces of the channel owing to the bent or arched channel course, is adapted to receive in it the cross section of a rail of the track so as to enable the insertion of such a straight rail in the respective bent or arched channel, and that the concave side of the course 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 3 of each of the channels provided for receiving the rails faces the shorter side face of the track-supporting layer, seen in top view. In some forms, this configuration can provide the above mentioned advantage. Such a track-supporting layer can be used both as a base for straightly extending tracks and as a base for arcuately extending tracks, whereby a single track-supporting layer construction form is thus able to account for a spectrum of radii of curvature that is important in practice. A base for straightly extending tracks may thus be comprised of a series of track-supporting layers designed as previously described, the consecutively arranged layers of said series being mutually turned by 1800 relative to a geometric axis extending per pendicularly to the layer surfaces. To form a base for arcuately extending track sections, such track-supporting layers can be arranged in a series, following each other in the same direction, wherein the lateral edge of the series that extends outwardly in the arch is formed by the long lateral edges of the individual layers and the inner edge of the arch of the series is formed by the short lateral edges of the individual layers. In some forms, the track-supporting layer designed according to the invention, which may be advantageous for the assessment of the distances between the rail heads and the lateral edges of the channels, and hence for the assessment of the flange groove, may be characterized in that the cross sections of the channels provided for receiving the rails are constricted in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, said cross sections widening downwardly adjacent said region due to under cuts on the side faces of these channels. In this respect, an advantageous embodiment may result if it is provided that the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, extend in a manner initially inclined outwardly relative to the center of the respective channel and then falling off downwardly towards to the bottom of the respective channel. A variant which can result in a wide bottom surface for the channels provided for receiving the rails may be characterized in that the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL track-supporting layer, extend to fall off towards the bottom of the respective channel in a manner outwardly inclined relative to the center of the respective channel. A further beneficial embodiment, which can also be favorable for the accommodation of relatively high rail fastening clamps, may be characterized in that the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, extend initially horizontally outwardly relative to the center of the respective channel and then in a manner downwardly falling off towards the bottom of the respective channel. Another variant relating to the cross sections of the channels provided for receiving the rails may be characterized in that the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, extend to the bottom by widening in an arched manner relative to the center of the respective channel. This variant may offers advantages in respect to the load-bearing capacity of the upper surface of the track supporting layer, which upper surface may serve as a circulation area. For the positioning, and mutual position adjustment, of the track-supporting layers relative to one another, it may be of further advantage if it is provided that, departing from the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, a marker groove is each provided on the two end faces of the track-supporting layer in the middle between the channels provided for receiving the rails. For levelling the heights, and fixing the mutual positions, of track-supporting layers consecutively arranged in a series, it may be advantageous if it is provided that grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the track-supporting layers are provided on the side faces of the track-supporting layers in a manner adjoining the end faces, and wedges serving for mutually levelling the heights of, and connecting, consecutively arranged track-supporting layers are further inserted in said grooves. As already pointed out above, the upper surfaces of track supporting layers designed according to the invention may form a circulation area, wherein it is also frequently required to 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 5 laterally add further circulation areas to such track-supporting layers, e.g. to form grade crossings. For mounting a circulation area layer structure, e.g. asphalt concrete layers, to the side faces of track-supporting layers of the type in question, it may be advantageous if it is provided that the side faces of the track-supporting layer, departing from the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, comprise an initially steeply sloping zone followed by a less steeply sloping and outwardly directed zone. For attaching rails to the track-supporting layers, it may be advantageous if fastening elements for fixing the rails are provided on the bottoms of the channels provided for receiving the rails. Yet, also other measures can be taken to fasten the rails, e.g. the use of casting masses fixing the rails in the channels provided for receiving the same. The bottoms of the channels provided for receiving the rails may extend in a manner substantially plane or also laterally inclined, e.g. in order to achieve an inclination of the rails. Such an inclination may also be provided in just a portion of the bottom, on which the respective rail abuts. Moreover, a deepened rail bed may be provided in a partial area of the bottom for mounting the rails. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a track supporting layer designed according to the disclosure; Fig. 2 is a front view of the track-supporting layer illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a track-supporting layer designed according to the disclosure; Fig. 4 is a top view of a group of track-supporting layers designed according to the disclosure, which are consecutively 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 6 arranged in a series to form the base of a straightly extending track section; Fig. 5 is a top view of a series of track-supporting layers designed according to the disclosure, which, joined in a polygonal configuration, form the base for an arcuately extending track section; Fig. 6 is a side view of a series of track-supporting layers designed according to the disclosure; Fig. 7 is a sectional illustration of the region of a channel serving for receiving a rail of a track, of a track supporting layer designed according to the disclosure; Fig. 8 shows a variant of the example depicted in Fig. 7 in sectional illustration analogous to Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows another variant of the example depicted in Fig. 7 in sectional illustration analogous to Fig. 7; and Fig. 10 shows another variant of the example depicted in Fig. 7 in sectional illustration analogous to Fig. 7. Detailed Description In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure. Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a track-supporting 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL layer 1 designed according to the disclosure, which has the form of an isosceles trapezoid, whose legs define the courses of the two end faces 2, 3 of this track-supporting layer and whose parallel sides define the courses of the two side faces 5, 6 of the track-supporting layer extending in the longitudinal direction 4 of the track. Where several track-supporting layers are arranged in the form of a series of consecutively arranged track-supporting layers, the end faces 2, 3 each face the track supporting layer adjoining the respective track-supporting layer in the series. On its upper surface 7, the track-supporting layer 1 comprises two groove-like channels 8 for receiving the rails of a track, such rails 9 being schematically illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 inserted in said channels 8. The groove-like channels 8, which extend from one end face 2 to the other end face 3 of the track-supporting layer 1, have bent courses, wherein the deviation 11 from the respective chord axis 10 extending in the longitudinal direction 4 is the largest in the center of its longitudinal extension. For a good perceptibility, the extent of said deviation, which results from the bent course of the channel 8, is much larger than in a practical embodiment. The perspective cross section 13 of the respective channel 8 to be seen from an end face 2 of the track-supporting layer 1, when viewed in the sense of arrow 12, undergoes an optical constriction by the side faces 14, 15 of the channel 8 due to the bent channel course. By selecting the dimensions of the respective channel 8, the perspective cross section 13 will be dimensioned to accommodate in it the cross section of a rail 9 of the track so as to enable the insertion of such a straight rail in the respective channel 8 extending in a bent manner. Seen in top view, the concave side 16 of the course of the channel 8 faces the shorter side face 6 of the track-supporting layer 1. The two end faces 2, 3 of the track-supporting layer 1 comprise marker grooves 17, 18 departing from the upper surface 7 of the track-supporting layer and provided in the middle between the channels 8. Fig. 3 illustrates a variant of the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, of a track-supporting layer designed according to the 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 8 disclosure, in which variant the channels 8 extend in an arched manner from the end face 2 to the end face 3 of the track supporting layer. Details that are analogous to details of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 bear the same reference numerals. The side faces 5, 6 of the track-supporting layer 1, departing from the upper side 7 of the track-supporting layer, each have an initially steeply sloping zone 22 which is followed by a more flatly sloping and outwardly directed zone 23. This is advantageous for adjoining road surfaces, especially if these are made of asphalt concrete. Fig. 4 is a top view on a series 27 of track-supporting layers 1, l' designed according to the disclosure and con tiguously arranged to form a base for a straightly extending track, the mutually facing end faces 2, 3 of contiguously arranged track-supporting layers abutting each other. Each track-supporting layer following a track-supporting layer in the series is arranged to be turned by 1800 relative to the latter track-supporting layer, about a geometric axis 26 extending perpendicularly to the layer surface, so as to compensate for the inclined position of abutting end faces 2, 3 relative to a geometric central line 20 of the track-supporting layers and obtain a straight course of the series 27 which corresponds to the straight course of a track whose rails are received in the channels 8 of the track-supporting layers forming the series 27. Both on a side edge 28 and on the other side edge 29 of the series 27, long side faces 5 and short side faces 6 of the individual track-supporting layers 1, l' follow each other alternatingly, with the side edges 28, 29 extending along straight lines. Fig. 5, again in top view, illustrates a series 27' of track-supporting layers 1 designed according to the disclosure, the track-supporting layers of this series 27', unlike in the series 27 depicted in Fig. 4, comprising track-supporting layers consecutively arranged in identical positions. One side edge 28' of the series 27' is formed by the long side faces 5 of the individual track-supporting layers 1, while the other side edge 29' of the series 27' is formed by the short side faces 6 of the individual track-supporting layers 1. Due to the trapezoidal shape of the track-supporting layers 1 abutting each other by 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 9 their end faces 2, 3, a series 27' extending in a polygonally curved manner is thus formed, wherein arcuately curved rails of an arcuately extending track can be inserted into the channels 8 of the track-supporting layers forming this series. The configuration of the track-supporting layers according to the disclosure, by using a layer shape, thus enables the formation of both a base for a straightly extending track and a base for an arcuately extending track section. For the mutual levelling of the track-supporting layers when assembling a series of contiguously adjoining track-supporting layers, and for the formation of a coherence among the layers of such a series, the side faces 5, 6 of the track-supporting layers preferably comprise grooves 19 adjacent the end faces 2, 3 of the same, which extend in the longitudinal direction to fittingly receive wedges 21 for bridging the joints between adjoining layers. This is indicated in Figs. 4 and 5, and illustrated in more detail in Fig. 6, and indicated in broken lines as an optional measure in Fig. 2. By providing appropriately shaped bevels at the grooves 19 and/or on the wedges 21, unifying, contracting, position-adjusting or levelling and cohesive forces can thus enter into effect. The rails 9 to be inserted in the channels 8 of the track supporting layer can be fastened or fixed in these channels in various ways. To fix the rails, a preferred embodiment provides to arrange fastening clamps on the bottom of the channels 8 provided for receiving the rails. Yet, also other techniques may be envisaged, e.g. casting masses that adhere to the walls of the channels and also adhere to the rails and/or encompass the rails. In this respect, elastic casting masses may preferably be used, e.g. composite materials comprising cork particles and an elastomer; and it is also possible to add stiff granular particles, e.g. sands, to the masses for tuning their properties. The cross-sectional shapes of the channels 8 can be selected among various options as a function of the respectively provided rail cross section and the respectively provided fastening means for the rails, and it is also possible to provide mutually different cross-sectional shapes at different locations in the longitudinal extension of these channels, e.g. at locations 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 10 where fastening elements are to be arranged, wherein appropriate space for accommodating the fastening elements will have to be kept clear within the channels and, if required, free access to adjustment means, e.g. adjustment screws, provided on the fastening elements must also be enabled at the respective locations. Suitable expansions of the channels may be relatively short, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the channels. For the channels provided for receiving the rails, it is often beneficial to select cross-sectional shapes that are constricted in the region of the upper sides of the track supporting layers and, downwardly following this constricted region, widen due to undercuts on the lateral surfaces of these channels. Embodiments of this kind are illustrated in Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10. Fig. 7 depicts a channel 8 provided in a track-supporting layer 1, which channel comprises a constriction 25 in the region of the upper surface 7 of the track-supporting layer and whose lateral surfaces 31, 32, downwardly from this constriction, extend in a manner initially inclined outwardly relative to the center 33 of the respective channel 8 and then falling off downwardly towards the bottom 24. The rail 9 inserted in the channel 8 is fixed by an elastic casting mass 34. Fig. 8 depicts a channel 8 provided in a track-supporting layer 1, which channel comprises a constriction 25 in the region of the upper surface 7 of the track-supporting layer, downwardly from which the lateral surfaces 31, 32 of the channel extend to fall off towards the bottom 24 in a manner outwardly inclined relative to the center 33. Within the channel 8, a rail 9 is arranged, which is fixed by a fastening means 35. This fastening means 35 comprises clamping bolts 36. Fig. 9 depicts a channel 8 provided in a track-supporting layer 1, which channel comprises a constriction 25 in the region of the upper surface 7 of the track-supporting layer, downwardly from which the lateral surfaces 31, 32 of the channel extend initially horizontally outwardly relative to the center 33 of the channel and then in a manner falling off downwardly towards the bottom 24 of the channel. Wedges 37 are arranged on the bottom 24 to provide a lateral inclination of the rails. Alternatively, the bottom 24 may be designed to be laterally 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 11 inclined, at least over a portion thereof. Fig. 10 depicts a channel 8 provided in a track-supporting layer 1, which channel comprises a constriction 25 in the region of the upper surface 7 of the track-supporting layer, downwardly from which the lateral surfaces 31, 32 extend to the bottom 24 in a manner arcuately widening relative to the center 33 of the channel 8. The bottom 24 comprises a deepened rail bed 38 for mounting the rails. In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is, the features as above may be associated with further features in various embodiments. Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure. 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL

Claims

1. A track-supporting layer which, in the form of a series of such consecutively arranged track-supporting layers, forms a base for the rails of a track and which, on its upper surface, has groove-like channels for receiving the rails of the track, wherein the track-supporting layer, seen in top view, has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, whose legs define the courses of the two end faces of the track-supporting layer, each of which end faces faces a track-supporting layer adjoining the respective track-supporting layer in the series of track supporting layers, and whose mutually parallel sides define the courses of the two side faces of the track-supporting layer extending in the longitudinal direction of the track, that the groove-like channels provided for receiving the rails and extending from one end face of the track-supporting layer to the other end face thereof have bent or arched courses, wherein the perspective cross section of the respective channel to be seen from an end face of the track-supporting layer, which undergoes a lateral optical constriction by the side faces of the channel owing to the bent or arched channel course, is adapted to receive in it the cross section of a rail of the track so as to enable the insertion of such a straight rail in the respective bent or arched channel, and that the concave side of the course of each of the channels provided for receiving the rails faces the shorter side face of the track-supporting layer, seen in top view.

2. A track-supporting layer according to claim 1, wherein the cross sections of the channels provided for receiving the rails are constricted in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, said cross sections widening downwardly adjacent said region due to undercuts on the side faces of these channels.

3. A track-supporting layer according to claim 2, wherein the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, extend in a manner 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 13 initially inclined outwardly relative to the center of the respective channel and then falling off downwardly towards to the bottom of the respective channel.

4. A track-supporting layer according to claim 2, wherein the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, extend to fall off towards the bottom of the respective channel in a manner outwardly inclined relative to the center of the respective channel.

5. A track-supporting layer according to claim 2, wherein the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, extend initially horizontally outwardly relative to the center of the respective channel and then in a manner falling off downwardly towards the bottom of the respective channel.

6. A track-supporting layer according to claim 2, wherein the side faces of the channels provided for receiving the rails, downwardly from the constriction located in the region of the upper surface of the track-supporting layer, extend to the bottom by widening in an arched manner relative to the center of the respective channel.

7. A track-supporting layer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, departing from the upper surface of the track supporting layer, a marker groove is each provided on the two end faces of the track-supporting layer in the middle between the channels provided for receiving the rails.

8. A track-supporting layer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the side faces of the track-supporting layer, departing from the upper side of the track-supporting layer, have an initially steeply sloping zone which is followed by a more flatly sloping and outwardly directed zone. 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 14

9. A track-supporting layer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein fastening elements for fixing the rails are provided on the bottoms of the channels provided for receiving the rails.

10. A series of consecutively arranged track-supporting layers according to one or several of claims 1 to 9, wherein each track-supporting layer following a track-supporting layer is arranged in a manner turned by 1800 relative to the latter track-supporting layer, about a geometric axis extending perpendicularly to the layer surface, such that, on the side edges of the series of track-supporting layers, short side faces of track-supporting layers and long side faces of track supporting layers follow each other alternatingly and the side edges of the series extend along straight lines.

11. A series of consecutively arranged track-supporting layers according to one or several of claims 1 to 9, wherein one side edge of the series is formed by the long side faces of the individual track-supporting layers, while the other side edge of the series is formed by the short side faces of the individual track-supporting layers, and the track-supporting layers of the series thus together form a polygonally curved base for the rails of a track.

12. A series of consecutively arranged track-supporting layers according to one or several of claims 1 to 9, wherein grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the track supporting layers are provided on the side faces of the track supporting layers in a manner adjoining the end faces, and wedges serving for mutually levelling the heights of, and connecting, consecutively arranged track-supporting layers are further inserted in said grooves.

13. A series of consecutively arranged track-supporting layers according to one or several of claims 10 to 13, wherein, on the first and/or last track-supporting layer of the series, the channels provided for receiving the rails comprise horizontally enlarged widenings on their ends located on the 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL - 15 free end faces.

14. A track-supporting layer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bottoms of the channels provided for receiving the rails extend to be laterally inclined at least over a portion, or wedges providing lateral inclinations of the rails are arranged on the bottoms of the channels.

15. A track-supporting layer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 14, wherein the bottom has a deepened rail bed for mounting a rail. 5885583_2 (GHMatters) P86492.AU GUSL