Slab Track Systems: A Review of Design Approaches, Structural Parameters, and Performance

Aditya Wahyu Erlangga (Indonesian Railway Polytechnic, Jalan Tirta Raya Kota Madiun, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)
Ariq Naufal Rabbani (Indonesian Railway Polytechnic, Jalan Tirta Raya Kota Madiun, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)
Wahyu Tamtomo Adi (Indonesian Railway Polytechnic, Jalan Tirta Raya Kota Madiun, Jawa Timur, Indonesia)
Ayu Prativi (National Taiwan University, Roosevelt Rd, Xuefu Village, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan)

Sainstech Nusantara
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): February 2026

This study describes the structure of non-ballasted track, focusing on design approaches for non-ballasted track, the structural parameters of non-ballasted track, and the advantages and disadvantages of ballasted and non-ballasted track. A systematic review was conducted by searching reputable national and international articles on non-ballasted track structures in leading databases using the article keywords, followed by full-text screening and classification of the selected articles. The components of non-ballasted track comprise the rail, fasteners, rail support platform, prefabricated concrete slab, cement asphalt mortar layer, and concrete base. Ballasted and non-ballasted track systems have distinct technical, economic, and environmental advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on line speed, construction cost, maintenance requirements, and the targeted service life.