00 INNOTRANS EXHIBITOR PREVIEWADVERTORIAL

Ballast mats within areasof reduced ballast depth

For many years now, ballast mats (UBM) by Getzner Werkstoffe have been an integral componentof modern ballasted track. UBM are used around the world, mainly to reduce structure-borne noise.
UBM’s for a range of diverse
operations from Getzner

Ballast mats: a high degreeof track elasticity

experiences have led to the use of UBM in theIn addition, they are also extending the lifetime

One way of countering excessive deterioration

UK since 2008. Network Rail installed UBM’s in aand reducing the maintenance costs of ballastedof the ballast is the installation of UBM. They

tunnel section of the Gospel Oak line (London)

track by introducing a defined elasticity.

can offset many of the negative effects relatedwith a ballast depth of only 13cm. The extra

Above and beyond this, UBM help to protect

to limited ballast depth.

elasticity of the ballast mats serves tobridges and their corrosion protection layers.

Reduced ballast stresses
thanks to elasticity

The aforementioned considerations andharmonize the track stiffness of this section

European operators rely on UBM
more and morewith the rest of the track. This significantly
reduces the ballast deterioration.

European railway companies have added UBM

Railway and public transport companies face

as standard components to their construction

the problem of ballast deterioration caused byguidelines. For example, Instruction I-AM 05/02

excessive stress particular in areas with veryof the Swiss National Railways (SBB) notes theGetzner solution: combined
reduction of ballast stresses
and vibration

stiff subgrades, such as bridges and tunnels.

use of UBM in track sections with reduced

A combination of properties for reducing

Ballasted track is subjected to even greaterballast depth. This special solution forballast stresses and mitigating vibrations isstresses in sections with reduced ballast depth

areas with a ballast depth < 30cm provides

often needed to protect residential areas near

due to structure-related factors. Old wooden

the necessary additional elasticity for therailway lines. UBM made of Sylomer® andSylodyn® material have been used by railway
and local transit companies for many years.
The available range of products is designed
for very diverse set of operating conditions,
ranging from tramways to high-speed lines.
Therefore Getzner Werkstoffe is able to offer
its customers a technically advanced,

Foryears
now,ballastmats(UBM)
by Getzner
Werkstoffe
havehave
beenbeen
an integral
component
Formany
manyyears
now,ballastmats(UBM)
by Getzner
Werkstoffe
an integral
component
ofofmodern
ballasted
track
modernballastedtrack

sleepers are replaced by taller concrete

superstructure by using UBM. This is reducing

sleepers and therefore it is often impossible towear on the rolling stock, rails, ballast andrealise the necessary ballast depth to handle

underlying structures.

the loads involved. The excessive stresses result

The German Federal Railways (DB) uses

in quicker deterioration of the ballast.

UBM in sections with reduced ballast depth.

Increasing train frequencies and speeds often

Again, the main goal is to provide additional

exacerbate this negative effect. This reduceselasticity to reduce ballast pressure and to

the effective lifecycle of the ballast.

protect the underlying structures. DB Guideline

Consequently, higher maintenance costs can820.2010 summarizes the basic aspects of thebe expected in track sections with structural

track superstructure: for reduced ballast depth

limitations and generating a significant(< 30cm), a load of > 10,000 load tonnes/day

reduction of availability of the track.

and speeds < 120km/h, either sleeper pads or

Much of these can be avoided.

ballast mats are to be used.

EUROPEAN RAILWAY REVIEW ISSUE 5 2010

economically viable solution for any situation.

Stefan Potocan
Stefan Potocan is Product Management
Rail Products at Getzner WerkstoffeGmbH. He started work for Getzner
Werkstoffe in May 2004. He is therepresentative for Getzner withinvarious standardisation workgroups(CEN, OeNorm etc) and cooperate development projects together
with universities like Chalmers or TU Graz.

Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH

Herrenau 5, 6706 Bürs, Austria
Phone: +43 (0) 5552 / 201 – 1862 / Fax:+43 (0) 5552 / 201 – 9 1862
Email: stefan.potocan@getzner.com / Web: www.getzner.com

EXHIBITION STAND No: 217 in Hall 25