Recommendations for the design of bridges to satisfy track requirements and reduce noise emissions

This leaflet contains relevant guidelines for the design of railway bridges in order to meet traffic requirements, given the need to minimise not only track maintenance work but more importantly track maintenance on bridges and their abutments. The importance of reducing noise levels is also highlighted.

The leaflet recommends that bridge design should also allow for longidudinal forces emitted via the rails, and caused by temperature variations or on train braking or again during initial acceleration.

Details are also given of the measures to be adopted as regards:

• the thickness of ballast under sleepers;
• the enclosure of ballasted bridge decks.

The appendices to the leaflet provide examples of ballasted-track laying on concrete or steel bridges, complete with recommended dimensional values.