STStrecke

STStrecke is a term used in German-speaking transport planning and railway signaling contexts to denote a standardized track section or route segment. The prefix ST is employed in some systems to identify a Strecke (route) element that corresponds to a predefined portion of track used for planning, simulation, and operational purposes. The term is common in digital timetabling, signaling configuration, and capacity analysis.

A STStrecke typically has a defined start and end node, a known length, and a set of attributes such as permitted speeds, curvature, signaling requirements, and compatible rolling stock. In many implementations, each STStrecke is assigned a unique identifier and stored in a database of network elements, enabling consistent reference across planning tools and control systems. The exact attributes can vary by system, but the concept centers on modular, repeatable sections that can be combined to model larger networks.

Usage of STStrecke includes timetable generation, capacity planning, block signaling configuration, and route validation. Operators rely on STStrecke data to model traffic flows, enforce safety margins, and optimize train paths. The concept also supports simulation and what-if analyses for maintenance planning or service disruptions, providing a structured way to assess impacts at the level of individual track sections.

Relation to related terms: STStrecke is related to, but distinct from, the broader Strecke (route) concept and from Streckenabschnitt (track segment). While Strecke may refer to the entire journey from origin to destination, a STStrecke represents a modular section used within system-specific representations. Streckenabschnitt often corresponds to a smaller subdivision within or overlapping a STStrecke.