Acid test.
Research and development.

In cooperation with the Chair of Solid Construction of the University of Essen, Germany, and Schnellenbach & Held and Karvanek-Thierauf-Ebenau engineering consultants, we conducted experimental investigations and structural-analysis calculations in order to "grill", i.e. thoroughly test the new slab track (System NFF).

After conclusion of these preliminary investigations, a 108 m test track was constructed at the Forma Rheinkalk GmbH company in Wülfrath, Germany, and this test track was then loaded with approx. 1 million metric tons. This involved conducting long-term measurements over a period of 18 months on the longitudinal bearer system LTE, the rigid portal structure and the deep foundation.

The results confirm unrestricted usability of the NFF. It permits unrestricted use on high-speed lines up to top speeds of up to 300 km per hour.