This paper describes the required testing and approval procedures of new track systems operated in Europe.To begin with,test methods and performance specifications according to European Standard(EN)are outlined.These include the repeated loading test,the determination of the static and dynamic stiffness of rail pads,clamping force and longitudinal rail resistance.The fact that labor tests are unable to simulate all the conditions in situ shows that these labor tests are not sufficient for the evaluation of the long term behaviour of a new track system:a test track of sufficient length must be constructed and exposed to traffic loads.In Europe to be accredited as a new system,a new slab track system must have a trial time of more than two years,during which the features of the whole system can be recognized.In the second part of this paper,the experience of the Institute of Road,Railway and Airfield Construction of TUM concerning the measuring methods of slab track systems carrying traffic are outlined.Also the approval procedure of the new slab tracks in Germany is discussed.
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