Our railway solutions have been designed to cope with all axle loads and speeds. They are used all over the world and are leading products in the railway sector.
Find out moreSolutions for the railway superstructure
What will the railway of the future look like? What requirements will be placed on the infrastructure, network and rolling stock over the coming years? We have been working together with our customers and partners for decades on researching and improving railway superstructures with the aim of offering sustainable, efficient solutions.
Our railway solutions have been designed to meet the requirements and guidelines for all axle loads and speeds. They are used all over the world and lead the way in the industry, whether used in urban applications, local transit, standard-gauge railways, high speed networks or even heavy freight.
Advantages and benefits at a glance
- Reduced maintenance and life cycle costs
- Increased track availability, plus reliability and longer life times
- Improved quality of life and working conditions for neighbouring residents
- Sustainable impact thanks to improved carbon footprint in the system as a whole
Functional areas
At Getzner, we distinguish between our solutions based on their function. Working on this basis, we address a wide range of challenges in the railway industry by focusing on everything from vibration isolation to protecting the superstructure and noise reduction.
Find out moreAreas subjected to especially heavy loads in the railway superstructure
Insulated joints enable trains to be located. Impaired homogeneity of the railways superstructure makes insulated joints one of the most common problem areas in the track. Getzner offers various solutions that are designed to counteract this issue.
Uneven lateral acceleration in tight curves often leads to the formation of short pitch and rail corrugation, progressive destruction of rail pads and increased ballast wear. Getzner offers products and solutions that zero in on these challenges.
Sudden variations in stiffness and high dynamic forces paired with areas of discontinuity (such as frogs) lead to high levels of stress on the superstructure and its components at turnouts. Our solutions reduce the dynamic loads and ensure less wear.
When changing from one type of superstructure to another, the components come under great stress because of variations in the stiffness. Solutions offered by Getzner help to significantly reduce the stresses in transitions and the resulting maintenance costs.
Railway lines and urban developments are becoming increasingly close neighbours. Vibrations and structure-borne noise generated by railway traffic have a detrimental effect on nearby residents and adjacent buildings. Our solutions reduce vibrations and noise to improve living and working conditions.
Insulated joints
Insulated joints enable trains to be located. Impaired homogeneity of the railways superstructure makes insulated joints one of the most common problem areas in the track. Getzner offers various solutions that are designed to counteract this issue.
Tight curves
Uneven lateral acceleration in tight curves often leads to the formation of short pitch and rail corrugation, progressive destruction of rail pads and increased ballast wear. Getzner offers products and solutions that zero in on these challenges.
Turnouts
Sudden variations in stiffness and high dynamic forces paired with areas of discontinuity (such as frogs) lead to high levels of stress on the superstructure and its components at turnouts. Our solutions reduce the dynamic loads and ensure less wear.
Transitions
When changing from one type of superstructure to another, the components come under great stress because of variations in the stiffness. Solutions offered by Getzner help to significantly reduce the stresses in transitions and the resulting maintenance costs.
Sensitive areas
Railway lines and urban developments are becoming increasingly close neighbours. Vibrations and structure-borne noise generated by railway traffic have a detrimental effect on nearby residents and adjacent buildings. Our solutions reduce vibrations and noise to improve living and working conditions.
Crucial areas of the railway superstructure are subjected to particularly heavy loads that result in high levels of wear and maintenance costs. Noise, vibrations and secondary airborne noise can also have a negative effect on nearby residents and the environment. Find out more about these common problem areas and the customised solutions Getzner has to offer.
Products for the railway superstructure
Elastic rail pads improve load distribution and increase passenger comfort, as well as providing optimal protection for the superstructure. Getzner rail pads are particularly adept at reducing the extreme loads that prevail in heavy freight applications. We are also working on a solution aimed at reducing noise.
Our products for protecting the superstructure shield the ballast, increase safety and save maintenance costs. Our extensive portfolio also offers under sleeper pads for vibration isolation.
We offer the right solution for all axle loads in applications that place high requirements on vibration isolation. Protection for bridges and structures is a particularly crucial aspect when it comes to protecting the superstructure.
The elastic fastening system mounting with Sylodyn® baseplate pads significantly increases the elasticity of the slab track superstructure. The rails are decoupled from the subsoil and the high dynamic forces exerted on the rails, fastening system and carrier plate are greatly reduced.
Our mass-spring systems meet the highest requirements. From a full-surface bearing to strip or point bearings – we offer the right solution with a comprehensive range of services.
Elastic insert pads for sleeper boots ensure adequate elasticity to activate the load distributing characteristics of the rail. They are often used in tunnel systems.
Rail pads
Elastic rail pads improve load distribution and increase passenger comfort, as well as providing optimal protection for the superstructure. Getzner rail pads are particularly adept at reducing the extreme loads that prevail in heavy freight applications. We are also working on a solution aimed at reducing noise.
Under sleeper pads
Our products for protecting the superstructure shield the ballast, increase safety and save maintenance costs. Our extensive portfolio also offers under sleeper pads for vibration isolation.
Under ballast mats
We offer the right solution for all axle loads in applications that place high requirements on vibration isolation. Protection for bridges and structures is a particularly crucial aspect when it comes to protecting the superstructure.
Baseplate pads
The elastic fastening system mounting with Sylodyn® baseplate pads significantly increases the elasticity of the slab track superstructure. The rails are decoupled from the subsoil and the high dynamic forces exerted on the rails, fastening system and carrier plate are greatly reduced.
Mass-spring system
Our mass-spring systems meet the highest requirements. From a full-surface bearing to strip or point bearings – we offer the right solution with a comprehensive range of services.
Elastic insert pads for sleeper boots
Elastic insert pads for sleeper boots ensure adequate elasticity to activate the load distributing characteristics of the rail. They are often used in tunnel systems.
Further information
Getzner is your partner for the development and implementation of customised solutions.
Find out moreYour solutions provider in the railway sector
Innovative applications and technologies
Getzner develops highly elastic bearings and systems for vibration isolation based on elastomers that provide effective protection for the entire railway superstructure. Our polyurethane materials such as Sylomer® and Sylodyn® are leading products in the industry, have a proven track record and cover all requirements in the railway sector. In addition to being used in mass-spring systems, other applications include under sleeper pads and under ballast mats.
Based on precisely coordinated material properties, a wide-ranging portfolio of materials and a wealth of applications, we offer custom solutions and integrated concepts that perfectly meet individual vibration isolation needs.
Outstanding material properties
Thanks to their excellent material properties, our polyurethane materials set the benchmark in vibration isolation and are used around the world.
- Reliable, homogeneous and permanent elasticity
- Can withstand short-term overloading, even if extreme
- Water resistant (including in standing water)
- Fire retardant (where necessary)
- Heavy vehicles can be driven directly over the materials
- Straightforward compensation of structural tolerances
- Fast and easy installation pares down construction costs
- Available in different dimensions and designs (variation in density, thickness and surface of the materials)
- Long-term stability
Sylomer® is available as an open-cell elastomer as well as in ten different types of Sylomer®. The range also includes special-purpose Sylomer® Fire-retardant versions for use in rolling stock.
Sylodyn® is a closed-cell elastomer that does not absorb water. Compared with Sylomer®, the material offers improved dynamic properties. Five different types of Sylodyn®, as well as three different types of Sylodyn® HRB HS for especially large loads, are available as standard.
Sustainable impact and benefits
- Reduced transmission of vibrations and noise to the surrounding environment
- Increased track availability, less need for maintenance and lower maintenance costs for railway lines
- Longer useful life of the protected components
- Enhanced quality of life and comfort in nearby buildings
The extended service life and reduction in maintenance costs result in a smaller ecological footprint for the system as a whole – a key criteria when it comes to developing green mobility. In addition to expanding networks, long-lasting upgrades to cope with higher frequencies and loads are another main focus.
Maintenance as a cost factor
The entire railway superstructure is subject to high levels of wear due to the continuous loads placed on it. Dynamic forces can be effectively absorbed through the use of an elastic layer, which results in less abrasion – especially in the track bedding and railway sleepers that support the rails.
Reducing abrasion lowers the maintenance costs involved while improving safety and reliability. Longer maintenance cycles lead to higher availability of the network overall. Vibrations in nearby areas and noise emissions are also noticeably reduced, which is a key factor in improving environmental compatibility and quality of life.
Getzner as your project partner
Getzner's strength lies in developing custom solutions for vibration engineering challenges. Our experts in various fields such as physics, the building and construction industry, machine engineering, acoustics, chemistry, and production and process engineering work every day to implement effective customer solutions.
Getzner works closely with a global network of partners, which includes engineering consultancies, construction companies, testing institutes and universities, to offer a wide range of services. These services include baseline surveys, development of solutions, calculations and simulation, efficacy forecasts and proofs and vibration measurements, as well as material tests and testing that we carry out on our own large-scale test rig. We are also heavily involved in planning and construction meetings on site as well as in briefings, installation and acceptance.
Our range of services
- Calculations and efficacy forecasts
- Material and system testing
- Custom solutions and planning
- Preparation of installation plans
- Briefings on the construction site
- Installation on the construction site
- Acceptance on the construction site
- Comparative measurements
- Partner network
- Additional services including life cycle cost analyses, aftersales services, training
Our solutions in action: Switzerland
Switzerland is a pioneer in modern railway construction and one of Getzner's key markets. We are proud to be involved in various groundbreaking projects and to support them with our innovation solutions.
Expansions to the railway network
Our sophisticated vibration isolation systems are being used in Switzerland in a wide range of projects towards expanding the Swiss railway network, such as the longest tunnel in the world, the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Our solutions ensure safety and reliability, create quiet and comfortable travel conditions and protect surrounding buildings from vibrations.
Upgrades to existing railway lines
Our applications are also used in the renovation and modernisation of existing railway lines in Switzerland, such as the works to upgrade the line between Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds. This project aims to extend the life of the infrastructure and increase passenger comfort while also minimising environmental impacts and maintenance.
Collaboration with partners
Getzner works closely with rail companies and engineering consultancies in Switzerland. We team up to develop custom solutions that meet the sector's high requirements and promote sustainable mobility.
Through our developments and innovations, we make a decisive contribution towards modernising railway traffic, creating new standards relating to the railway superstructure and boosting sustainable mobility and comfort.
Trends and future developments
Getzner is a technology leader in the field of vibration isolation, particularly for the railway superstructure. Our vision is to sustainably improve the future of railway traffic through continuous research and development.
Further development of elastic materials
Getzner will continue to develop and improve its tried-and-tested polyurethane materials and incorporate recycling approaches in the development stage. We conduct ongoing materials research to further enhance the durability and performance of our solutions. We are also gradually expanding our range of materials so we can respond to the relevant requirements with even greater flexibility.
Integration of digitalisation and sensor systems
The future of the railway superstructure lies in an intelligent infrastructure. We offer the option of integrating sensor-based monitoring systems into our products. These sensors provide real-time data and enable forecasts on the condition of the superstructure to be made, laying the groundwork for predictive maintenance.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness
Getzner will be stepping up the use of ecologically beneficial production methods and recyclable materials in order to reduce the environmental footprint of the railway industry. Our innovations are designed to improve the eco-balance of our products and achieve a better ecological footprint for the system as a whole. We see this as our contribution towards a future worth living.