The requirements regarding interoperability and compatibility, the interaction between vehicles and the track, as well as classical and unconventional track structures used on these lines are characterized. The parameters of the line layout and profile and the principles of their maintenance are also discussed. The program for the construction of high-speed lines in Poland is presented.INTRODUCTION
Progress in the field of high speeds, i.e., speeds exceeding 200-250 km/h, is the result of simultaneous improvements in the design of railway vehicles (replacing conventional trains with multiple units), improvements in railway infrastructure elements, especially train control and safety systems requiring cab signaling at speeds over 160 km/h, as well as the introduction of changes in train traffic organization.
In conditions of fierce competition with other modes of transport, it is essential to achieve increasingly higher scheduled train speeds. Currently, Japanese railways take first place in this respect (316.8 km/h), followed by SNCF (259.4 km/h), RENFE (209.1 km/h), DB (190.4 km/h), and BR (182.8 km/h). Qualified trains of the Polish railways reach an average technical speed of approx. 130 km/h.
The introduction of high speeds therefore requires solving many technically complex issues in the field of:
• railway vehicle design, • vehicle-track and overhead contact line interaction, • aerodynamic phenomena and the impact of railway vehicles on the environment, • dimensioning of classical track and the development of new, unconventional track structures.
The observed progress is taking place due to the continuous optimization of existing and newly built high-speed line systems. This includes both research activities as well as technical and technological development of infrastructure and railway vehicles, stimulating the development of the industry working for the needs of the railway. (…)
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Source: Logistyka Magazine 4/2011