In the last 40 years an increase in train speed and axle load around the world and other challenges in the conventional ballasted track system gave birth to ballastless railway track system. This study examines in depth the various slab track systems that are being used today. Their design characteristics as well as the various requirements for efficient use are thoroughly explained. At least 34 different ballastless systems have been recorded in many railway networks throughout the world. The most significant slab track systems are analysed in detail and compared. Slab track designs have significant advantages comparing to ballasted tracks. The most significant are the high stability of the track, the almost non-existent need for maintenance, the long life cycle (60 years) and the reduced weight and height of the track. Their disadvantages against the ballasted tracks are mainly summarized in their higher construction costs. The Finite Element package ABAQUS/CAE is used to model a 3-D slab track design under static traffic loading. The results suggest that slab tracks have profoundly better stability and durability comparing to ballasted tracks mainly due to their higher stiffness and strength. The author underlines the need for further studies to undoubtedly prove the claimed advantages of slab track systems as well as to improve the costs associated with construction.

This diploma thesis is focused on operational testing of selected railway lines with different structures of railway superstructure. For the purposes of measuring were chosen suitable measuring sections on the rail corridor and was designed suitable measuring methodology. Dynamic and acoustic parameters of tested structures were determined on the basis of all tests, which were performed. Suitable mathematic method was chosen for evaluation of tests in time and frequency zone. Part of my work is also compare parameters of the tested structures and recommendations for practice.

The master’s thesis deals with the possibilities of railway track modeling. The computational models were created in ANSYS Classic. Simplified 2D model represents a longitudal half of classic single track construction, 3D models represent classic single track construction and RHEDA 2000 slab track. Static and dynamic response of 2D model was compared with analytical solutions by Timoshenko and Fryba. Static and dynamic responses of 3D models were analyzed and compared.