3.1.4.2 FFC slab track system
The FFC (Feste Fahrbahn Crailsheim) slab track system is manufactured with high precision in preparation and installation. The supporting points (dowels) for the rail fastening system either are “shaken into” the fresh concrete during installation, or they may be inserted and glued in predrilled holes into the dried concrete slab (Franz). After the dowels are inserted the rail fastening system IOARV300 is positioned at the manufacturing stage as a profile in the form of an infinitive length concrete sleeper in the concrete bearing layer (CBL) (Lichtberger, Franz, UIC report). The concrete slab is made by a slipform paver and the fastening system is adjusted by a special machine following behind. The concrete base is normally 2.4 m wide as shown in figure 52, but it can reach a maximum of 3.2 m length according to Franz. Every third support point a notch is made in order to control crack formation and to let the water to let the rain water to run off.
Figure 52: FCC slab track design (Darr & Fiebig)