LARGE SCALE CONSTRUCTION WORK OF CONCRETE SLAB TRACKS FOR THE SAN-YO SHINKANSEN

The concrete slab track utilized by JNR (16 km on the Shin Kansen and 84 km on the narrow gauge line) has proved satisfactory and has shown the need for little maintenance. Therefore concrete slab track is used for 70% of the line between Okayama and Hakata. This article describes design requirements, construction methods and track details. JNR has two types--one with minimum provision for adjustment used only on straight track in tunnels and the other with larger adjustment margin used on all elevated sections (straight or curved) and on curves in tunnels. For the 393 km line 12 concrete slab production facilities were set up, 60 slab distribution points, 58 mortar plants and 25 depots for rail and fastenings. JNR is researching additional problems associated with the slab track.