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China (Lhasa) | Transportation

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

The People’s Republic of China is famous for impressing the rest of the world with superlatives and records. With regard to its transporation network, for instance, the country not only runs the fastest trains and by 2012 probably more high-speed railways than the rest of the world combined. It has also the world’s highest railway: the Qinghai-Tibet railway, or Lhasa Express, which links China’s Qinghai province’s capital of Xining to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.

The railways approaches Tibet from the north, carrying its passengers 2,000km across the Kunlun and other mountains and as many as 675 bridges over dry, icy, barren mountain landscapes to Lhasa in less than 48 hours. While travelling across the Himalayan “Roof of the World” to the Tanggula Pass, it climbs up to about 5,100m above sea level and thus holds the title as the world’s highest track and Tanggula Station, only 4m lover, the world’s highest railway station ever built. The railway’s extreme conditions – mostly through permafrost environment and at an altitude where the air contains 35–40% less oxygen than at sea level – passenger safety has been a major concern during the planning and construction process of the railway cars. Chinese coach builder Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd. (BST) (former BSP: Bombardier Sifang Power (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd., BSP) has been looking for materials that fulfil the high standards of quality and performance especially required for this project. Floor coverings, for instance, needed to meet the strict fire protection requirements specified by the railway whilst being durable, easy to maintain and elegant in design and appearance.

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nora® rubber floor coverings: functionality, durability and versatility for sophisticated railway projects:

  • Outstanding fire-protection properties: fire/smoke behaviour tested according to EN 13 501-1, DIN 5510-2, NF F 16-101, ASTM E-648 and E-662, BS 476 p.7, BS 6853 App. B.5.4, UIC-Codex 564- 2/12. Carbonisation gases are non-toxic; no corrosive vapours, no source for dioxins and furans occur.
  • Free of PVC, phthalate plasticizers and halogens as well as asbestos, cadmium, CFCs and formaldehyde.
  • Extraordinary wear-resistance: extremely long lifespan, thus less frequent need of for renovation and disposal
  • Dirt-repellent and easy to clean surface: thanks to its extremely dense surface and “nora cleanguard®“, the factory post-curing surface finishing
  • No need for extra coating: significantly reduced care and maintenance costs as well as wastewater loading
  • Dimensionally stable; shrinkage resistant
  • Resistant to cigarette burns: no surface damage
  • Permanently resilient: lasting high walking comfort
  • Excellent footfall sound absorption: insulation values up to 20dB
  • Antistatic: no electrostatic charge build-up from walking; therefore, thus no perceptible discharges
  • Environmentally safe: made of high-quality rubber, mineral fillers, and environmental friendly colour pigments

This record-setting train thus relies on a number of special features, including nora rubber floor coverings, to safely carry its passengers between the two cities. The nora floor covering BST selected had been especially developed to meet highest demands with regard to fire safety. The chosen noraplan plus mix 931 provides superior resistance to flame, smoke and toxicity. In the case of fire there is no risk of toxic off-gassing from substances like hydrogen chlorine, hydrochloric acid, dioxins or furan.

Additionally, the floor covering met the durability requirements of the railway. BST searched for a flooring solution that was abrasion-resistant, and durable enough to withstand the train’s heavy foot traffic, particularly in aisles and entranceways where traffic flows non-stop as passengers make their way through the train.

nora rubber floor coverings stepped up to the challenge, providing the required durability and a dense surface that makes the floor resistant to dirt, stains and grime whilst its structure ensures slip resistance. Above that, the flooring’s design and decent beige colour support the design of the trains and help create a calm environment where passengers can relax, enjoy the breathtaking scenery around them, dine comfortably and sleep peacefully.

As with any mode of transportation where passengers are free to move about the conveyance, slip-resistance properties were another important criteria for selecting noraplan plus. In fact, nora rubber floor coverings exceed OSHA recommendations for slip resistance, providing a reliable and safe surface. Both passengers and crew members can count on sure footing, even as the railway makes its way around mountain passes and through elevated tunnels.

Data and facts

Building Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Lhasa to Xining, PR China
Owner Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd. (BST)
Market Segment Transportation
Installation Year 2008

More references

Wuppertal Suspension Railway 

Germany (Wuppertal )
noraplan sentica™ | Transportation

Classic railway with classic floors – It is the symbol of the city. And it is the only one in the world: the Wuppertal suspension railway.

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