Switching Shunters on a Slab Base

The article considers the possibility of using the switching shunters on the slab base. The slabs were calculated on the vertical load from the impact of rolling stock. The initial data for the calculation of reinforced concrete slabs was formed using the rules for calculating the track for strength. In the present study, as a base was taken the model based on the assumption that the slab of the ballastless track, including the switch, is an orthotropic plate supported on the damping base by the bottom surface and fixed along the edges of the contour with different boundary conditions. Trial operation showed that the joints are the weak point of the switching shunters on the slab base. Even though the stresses in the concrete of the slabs did not exceed the permissible values ​​during the operation, defects appeared in the slabs. The most typical defects of all slabs are: chips of concrete at the longitudinal and butt edges with reinforcement exposition and with growth of cracks deep into the concrete. Analysis of labor costs for the current maintenance of the switching shunters on reinforced concrete slabs shows a significant reduction in the labor intensity of straightening work. High costs for other types of works is caused by the change of metal parts on the switching shunters.