Grounding Technology for the Slab Track on the Stuttgart 21 Project
A custom-designed grounding solution for track slabs on a roughly 33-kilometer section of track.
Your project.
Our solution.
Every project has its own requirements. Our experts will help you find the right technical solution.
Initial situation and requirements
For the Stuttgart 21 project, PORR installed a slab track system along a roughly 33-kilometer section of track: a new, sleeperless track system consisting of elastically supported precast concrete elements laid on an asphalt base course.
A solution consisting of sockets and connectors was needed to securely ground the superstructure components. To achieve this, the grounding sockets had to be precisely integrated into the loosely reinforced track slabs.
The requirements included the highest level of dimensional accuracy and, consequently, reliable conductivity; long-term functionality under dynamic loads; and compliance with DB standards—all while accommodating a wide variety of installation scenarios and a wide range of connection lengths.
Our solution and implementation
- Supply of grounding sockets for embedding in the track slabs using flat steel, a threaded sleeve, and a stainless steel washer
- Additional corrosion protection provided by the galvanized ends of the grounding sockets
- Supply of grounding connectors in various lengths
PHILIPP supplied a customized solution consisting of grounding sockets and grounding connectors for the grounding of the PORR system. Type 71 EB F40 grounding sockets were used for embedding in the track support slabs. They consist of a 400 mm long flat steel bar with an M16 threaded sleeve welded to one end and are capped with a stainless steel washer. The entire end section is additionally galvanized to ensure reliable corrosion protection.
Type 71 EV K70 grounding connectors were used as external connection elements. The connection is based on the BayEnergie® copper conductor from Bayerische Kabelwerke AG and features cable lugs on both ends. By supplying connectors in various lengths ranging from 30 to 550 cm, a wide variety of installation scenarios in the tunnel and track sections could be accommodated. The result was a dimensionally accurate, standards-compliant, and permanently functional grounding solution tailored to the specific requirements of PORR’s slab track system.

In total, PORR installed the slab track along a section of approximately 33 km using PHILIPP’s grounding solution.

The installed grounding jacks are provided with additional corrosion protection thanks to their galvanized ends.








