If the low-maintenance characteristics of slab track on open line are to be retained, great care must be taken to ensure that the subgrade layers are homogenous and capable of bearing the loads imposed [2]. The slabs can be precast or poured on site. The most known tracks with precast slabs are Shinkansen line in Japan and Max Bögl slab track designed in Germany [2], while as examples of the tr...

The factor time within building projects is on high pressure because the need for faster delivery of buildings is rising. Within fast-track, complex building projects the design process is an important key to fast-tracking. Based on case analyses of fast-track design processes (den Otter, Prins 2001) it became obvious that design processes function poorly within fast-track projects. Improvement...

Presently high-speed tracks are built on a large scale. Although ballasted tracks are still popular, more and more slab tracks are constructed. They have some significant advantages such as low maintenance, high availability, low structure height, and low weight. The main emphasis of this paper is on the application of non-ballasted concepts for high-speed operation. Special attention is given ...

Most studies involving students in designing and developing software involve research teams and other professionals outside of the normal school environment. This pilot study demonstrated that involving students in the design and development of software could take place entirely within the school environment. This methodology was called “fast tracking.” Students could, and did, play demanding a...