At the vibration stand of the Experimental Ring of JSC "VNIIZhT" in Shcherbinka, the resource testing phase of Russia's most modern turnout of grade 1/25 with a ballastless slab base is nearing completion. According to Pavel Tregubchak, Director of the Scientific Center "Infrastructure" of JSC "VNIIZhT", by Friday, specialists had already accumulated 23.5 million cycles out of the planned 28.8 million. The completion of the tests is expected in the coming days.
The slab has already been tested for reliability. We see a reserve that it will definitely work for about 50 years. But according to the characteristics, it turns out that maybe this service life will be even higher.
The latest turnout was developed taking into account the requirements of high-speed traffic: it ensures the passage of trains at speeds up to 400 km/h in the direct direction and up to 120 km/h when deviating to the side track, while maintaining smoothness and passenger comfort. The successful completion of bench tests will be the basis for issuing recommendations for laying the structure in the main track and transitioning to operational tests on real sections.
The development was carried out as part of a large-scale import substitution and technological sovereignty program in the field of railway infrastructure. More than 150 domestic enterprises have already presented their solutions for the high-speed railway (HSR) project, demonstrating a high level of engineering thought and readiness for mass implementation. The ballastless turnout structure is one of the key elements of this national technological initiative.
