Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies technical requirements and tolerances for the acceptance of works on ballasted track situated on:

— plain line;

— switches and crossings; and

— rail expansion devices as part of the track for 1 435 mm and wider track gauge railways.

The works on ballasted track, hereafter referred to as track works, concern construction of new track, track renewal and track maintenance.

This document specifies the requirements for substructure works, track geometry, absolute track position, working parameters of on track machines, track components, ballast cross section, structure gauge, stressing works, specific measurements and quality checks for switches and crossings and rail expansion devices, and for the measuring systems used to perform measurements, verifications and checks for the scope of acceptance. Requirements for responsibilities and documentation necessary for the acceptance of track works are specified.

This document also requires compliance of all track materials with the customer’s relevant acceptance criteria and specifications provided by the supplier.

Platform reconstruction works and level crossing works are not covered by this document. This document does not apply to urban rail systems or ballastless track.

Purpose

The standard EN 13231-1:2023 in the currently revised and extended version provides the decisionmaking basis for the acceptance of the full range of works for ballasted tracks in the required quality to ensure safety, profitability and sustainability of the railway system. Thus, EN13231-1:2023 can also serve as the basis for a consistent and integrative international standard that provides a generally accepted procedure and facilitate cooperation at the international level. Use a global consolidated standard can facilitate the achievement of a high level of interoperability.