Securing railway infrastructure with the universal panel
Safety in railway infrastructure—particularly at stations, in tunnels, and on bridges—presents complex challenges for planners and operators. Protecting personnel and passengers, as well as restricting access to hazardous areas, is crucial to preventing accidents. The Bavarian company KRAIBURG STRAIL has developed an innovative solution to meet these demands: the STRAILgrid universal panel.
How the universal panel works
The universal panel features a surface covered with irregularly arranged pyramid-shaped studs. This unique geometry effectively deters unauthorized access to the tracks and prevents them from being used as shortcuts. The panels can also serve as an additional barrier to reinforce existing fences. The system is designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h, includes integrated drainage, and is compatible with all types of sleepers.
Application areas of the universal panel
The STRAILgrid panel is used in a wide range of infrastructure projects to prevent unauthorized access and enhance safety.
- Reinforcing fences: The panels can also be used to reinforce existing fences. In the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, they were installed along the border with Poland to help contain the spread of African swine fever.
- Stations: To prevent passengers from entering track areas without permission, our universal panels were installed at Ulzburg-Süd station in Schleswig-Holstein and Hackerbrücke station in Munich, for example. In Ulzburg-Süd, 30 m² were laid in less than four hours.
- Bridges: In Sion, Switzerland, the panels were installed on the Pont du Rhône and Pont du Canal bridges to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from trespassing.
- Tunnels: In tunnels, which are particularly sensitive areas, the panels serve as an effective barrier. In Corsica, following incidents involving animals, all railway tunnels were equipped with the panels to keep wild and grazing animals away, which often seek shade during high temperatures.
Combining easy installation and sustainability
One of the major advantages of the system is its straightforward and efficient installation. The pre-assembled elements are simply placed into the sleeper compartments and secured with special screws. Dismantling for track maintenance is equally quick and easy.
The panels are not only durable but also environmentally friendly. They are made from recycled rubber granules coated with a high-quality, UV-resistant rubber layer. At the end of their long service life, the panels can be reused.
Would you like to find out more about how our universal panel can improve safety in railway infrastructure?
