3.1.4 Monolithic Designs
These designs are consisted of only a continuous monolithic concrete layer and direct rail
fastenings adjusted on it. The sleeperless designs are established either as monolithic concrete
layer produced by a concrete paver or as prefabricated slabs connected together (Esveld5
,
Lichtberger22
). The direct rail fastenings used for this system are very effective in bridges
making them lighter and eliminate problems associating the sleepers (Esveld5
). The monolithic
designs are stiff and rigid enough to behave structurally as a continuous supported elastic beam
under traffic loading. The rigidity of this system makes it suitable for use in soft soils. The loads
are distributed across a much longer and wider area (Esveld5
). Attention must be paid to the
crack formation of the concrete bearing layer (CBL) and proper measures have to be taken to
prevent cracking caused by the rail fastenings.