All knowledge for polyurethan technology to the concrete sleeper has been defined in SNCF/SERP/SATEBA patents. Sprayed on dry concrete sleepers (BAYTEC technology) or fixed as a layer on bottom face, the PRA wear reducing pads bring some considerable benefits. Such as:

  Improvement of the sleeper/ ballast interface due to the reduction of wear.
  Consequence: sharp reduction of the wear cycle of ballast and improvement of the initial geometry of the track (levelling, alignment).
  Possibility to reduce the thickness of ballast by 1/3, either on standard track or on bridges and tunnels where weight considerations are vital.

The integration of PRA polyurethan pads during manufacturing allows : - A constant quality of the polyurethan layer (thickness, consistency, etc…) due to the casting in factory. - Protection of the polyurethan edges from the tampers of the tamping machines

Since 1990, many tests have been performed on SNCF track. Today 90 000 sleepers with PRA polyurethan pads are used in France and abroad (Spain, England) and a perfect performance of sleepers has been proven.

Inspection in track after one year.

Every year track geometry is recorded by Mauzin equipment in order to check quality and to compare parts of the track with or without polyurethane.

SATEBA Sleeper System for Slab track (SAT S 312)

Turnout concrete bearers

ASP II System for LRT track