RailFans - once you meet them, friends for life

Tubular Modular Track (or TMT) is a type of ballastless ladder track manufactured by Tubular Track (Pty.) Ltd. of South Africa first introduced in 1989.[2] and invented by Peter Küsel.[3]
The track consists of steel rail resting on concrete supports via rubberised cork absorption pads with galvanised steel tie beams which wrap around the concrete members rather than being cast into the concrete as with other ladder tracks. The track is modular and precast, rather than being cast in situ. Modular turnouts are also produced.[4] The modular nature of the track and controlled production of the track sections gives rise to the advantages of rapid on site installation, and good quality control.[5] The ballastless and modular nature of the track makes it...
more...

advantageous for both wet and desert conditions where ballast degradation is problematic, as well as in mines where transportation of the track components is simplified.[6] Since the rail is continuously supported rail stresses are less; a 34 tonne axle load version has been designed and lighter rails can be used compared to sleepered track, additionally maintenance costs of ballast are reduced.[7]
The track has been used mainly in southern Africa,[8] including a section of the Gautrain line in South Africa.[9] The system has also been used in Saudi Arabia.[
© Wiki