Performance on Track Podcast
Performance on Track® is the podcast by voestalpine Railway Systems, taking you inside the world of high‑performing railway infrastructure.
In each episode, we explore the technologies, projects and decisions that drive performance on track, from innovative railway solutions and sustainable approaches to real‑world applications and best practices.
You’ll hear from the people behind the performance: experts, engineers and specialists who shape railway systems through their knowledge, experience and passion.
Created for anyone interested in how railway performance is built in practice.
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EPISODE 06 - TURNOUT SYSTEMS - PART I
When does a turnout know it is about to fail?
Turnout systems are not just mechanical assets. In this episode, Alfred Pölinger explains how sensors, diagnostics, and digital twins are transforming turnouts into intelligent assets that provide real-time condition insights and enable predictive maintenance. Discover why a holistic lifecycle perspective is becoming essential for improving availability, safety, and long-term performance.
EPISODE 05 - FIXATION SYSTEMS - PART II
What else is needed for a high-performing fixation system besides the fastening system?
Building on Part 1, railway expert Robert Demal turns to the second key element of a fixation system: sleeper systems. He explains how elasticity can be applied at different levels of the track structure and why the interaction between fastening systems and sleepers is critical for reducing maintenance, protecting the ballast, and extending asset life. The episode also explores different sleeper technologies, vibration reduction concepts, sustainability aspects, and practical considerations when selecting the right track solution for different applications.
Discover how fastening systems and sleeper systems work together to create durable, efficient, and cost-effective railway infrastructure.
EPISODE 04 - FIXATION SYSTEMS - PART I
Why are fixation systems essential for track performance?
In this episode, railway expert Robert Demal explains the fundamentals of fixation systems, their key components, and their role in ensuring track stability, passenger comfort, and long-term reliability. Learn how fastening systems differ across urban, mixed-traffic, high-speed, and heavy-haul applications. As the first part of this series, the episode focuses primarily on fastening systems, one of the key elements of a fixation system.
EPISODE 03 - TRACK SYSTEMS - PART II
How do forces travel through a railway track?
In Episode 03 of Performance on Track, Lukas Prettner Head of R&D Track Systems at voestalpine Rail Technology shares how vertical dynamic track interaction, lateral track behaviour, and digital decision-making tools help railway operators better understand infrastructure performance, optimize lifecycle costs, and improve availability.
EPISODE 02 - TRACK SYSTEMS - PART I
How do engineers actually understand what is happening in the track?
In Episode 02 of Performance on Track, track systems expert Lukas Prettner explains how engineers combine measurements, simulations, and real-world observations to understand track behaviour. Discover why the wheel–rail interface is so important and why railway infrastructure must always be viewed as a complete system.
EPISODE 01 - RAILWAY SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS
Railways have operated reliably for over 200 years, but their performance depends on a complex system of interdependencies. In this episode, Albert Jörg explains why infrastructure must always be viewed as a whole. From wheel–rail interaction to maintenance and lifecycle management, everything is connected.
Learn how a holistic perspective helps prevent failures and ensures long-term performance.
