AERODYNAMIC SLEEPER: ENHANCED SAFETY FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL
The aerodynamic sleeper design reduces ballast flight at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, thereby enhancing safety in high-speed rail operations. Its optimised, rounded geometry improves airflow beneath the train while also contributing to smoother running.
Ballast flight is one of the key challenges in high-speed rail operations, particularly at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. It occurs when aerodynamic turbulence beneath a train lifts ballast particles from the track bed, creating a significant safety risk.
Developed by ADIF in cooperation with other leading industry stakeholders, the aerodynamic sleeper was designed to minimise this risk through an optimised airflow concept while simultaneously improving ride quality and operational safety in high-speed rail applications. The sleeper’s rounded central geometry promotes a more uniform airflow beneath the train, significantly reducing ballast flight. This enables higher operating speeds while enhancing safety.
In close cooperation with ADIF, RAILONE’s Spanish subsidiary TRAVIPOS received approval to manufacture the aerodynamic sleeper. The modified design is listed in ADIF’s register of approved products, enabling series production of the sleeper.
Certified safety: Approved by ADIF and listed in the register of validated products, ensuring full operational safety and operator approval
Reduced ballast flight through optimised airflow: The innovative design with its rounded central geometry reduces aerodynamic loading above the ballast bed by 21%, significantly minimising ballast flight
Higher operating speeds: Enables a potential increase in operating speed of up to 12% without additional risk
Cost-effective: No additional manufacturing or handling costs and easy integration into existing processes
Standard application | Track sleeper |
System type | Ballasted track for high-speed rail |
Maximum speed | 160 km/h / 350 km/h |
Axle load | 25 metric tons / 22.5 metric tons |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm |
Length | 2,600 mm |
Width | 300 mm |
Sleeper height | 267 mm |
Weight | 344 kg without rail fastening system |
Approvals | ADIF approval |
