WEGH Group S.p.A. widens the range of products manufactured in its factories and intended for railway infrastructure, by obtaining the homologation, by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, of the USP sleepers – Under Sleeper Pad. The mat is applied to the bottom surface of the sleeper or sleeper in contact with the ballast. It is composed of a part that has the function of anchoring to the crossbar itself and an elastic part in contact with the ballast. The correct positioning of the USPs on the lower face of the sleepers is done automatically with a special machine approved by RFI and made by WEGH, Plant Section OLMI Division, which guarantees the quality and homogeneity of the production process. By preventing friction between the concrete and the ballast rubble, the USP improves load distribution and allows for a significant increase in the life cycle of the Ballast. The tests required for the homologation of these new products were carried out in collaboration with the certification body RINA and were completed in 2016.
USP sleepers are an innovative product for Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, as they make it possible to reduce the frequency of tamping and ballast replacement operations.