Abstract
This paper presents results of field testing of two slab track sections on the High Tonnage Loop (HTL) at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado. The test at TTC is part of the Cooperative Slab Track Research and Demonstration Program for Shared Freight and High Speed Passenger Service initiated by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) in 2001. The objective of the program is to advance concrete slab track technology and to demonstrate the capability of slab track to provide a low maintenance and safe track structure for shared highspeed rail and freight on U.S. railroads.
As part of the program, laboratory tests were performed on two types of slab track and the results were presented at the July 2003 AREMA Conference by PCA. One type of slab track uses direct fixation fasteners mounted to the top surface of a concrete slab and the second type uses independent dual concrete block ties with rubber boots and pads embedded in the concrete slab. In the summer of 2003, following successful completion of the laboratory tests, a 550 foot test section of slab track was constructed at TTC on the HTL.