Spårsystem

Spårsystem refers to the coordinated arrangement of rails, sleepers, ballast, and related components that form the track structure for guiding wheeled vehicles on rail networks. It supports trains, trams, and metro cars, ensuring correct gauge, alignment, load distribution, and safe wheel-rail interaction along curves and through transitions.

Key components include rails, sleepers (ties), ballast, and fastenings that secure rails to sleepers. Turnouts (switches) and crossings enable movement between tracks. Some modern systems use ballastless or slab tracks, where the rail is fixed to a concrete foundation, often reducing maintenance needs and enabling operation in high-speed or dense urban environments.

Track types vary by application. Ballasted track uses a bed of ballast to distribute loads and provide drainage; ballastless track uses a concrete bed with rails fixed directly to it. The choice of gauge, rail profile, sleeper material, and fastening affects ride quality, durability, and maintenance requirements.

Maintenance and monitoring are essential. Regular inspection of geometry (gauge, alignment, cant), tamping to restore ballast shape, ballast cleaning or replacement, rail grinding to remove wear, sleeper replacement, and switch maintenance are common. Modern monitoring employs geometry cars and non-destructive testing methods to detect defects.

Spårsystem design is guided by national and international standards and influences service frequency, speed, and urban planning. In many regions, standard gauge and interoperability rules apply, but networks adapt spårsystem to local conditions, climate, and infrastructure constraints.