This paper describes the implementation of the Portuguese High Speed Rail (HSR) Network. The business model developed by RAVE for the PPP's related with the HSR infrastructure is described and discussed. Following a recently awarded research project (EXPRESS) aimed at studying the strategic aspects related with the implementation of HSR is presented and its aspects more directly related with HS...

As high speed rail is becoming increasingly popular around the globe, alignments are being forced onto marginal land due to land costs and the requirement for straight tracks. Rail foundations spread the applied wheel loads to prevent damage to the underlying in-situ soil upon which tracks are built. Designs which cannot sustain the resulting stresses will cause serviceability issues and will r...

Departing from the present situation, this paper attempts to highlight future prospects of high-speed railways. A panorama of high-speed lines worldwide is first given and the limits of a further increase of rail speeds are surveyed. It is explained that rail high speeds are feasible only for large population concentrations. The impact of high speeds on the reduction of travel times is studied....