As a standard reference work, The Comprehensive Manual of Track Maintenance Volume 1 describes all aspects of track maintenance in theory and practice in a clear and concise form. It reflects the current status of maintenance methods, supplemented by an outlook on foreseeable and ongoing technical developments. The Comprehensive Manual of Track Maintenance is published in two volumes. This 1st volume comprises the following chapters: •History of the mechanization of track construction •The track from a systemic perspective •New construction and conversion of ballasted track and slab track •Loading of the track - wheel-rail interaction •Supervision and monitoring •Rail defects and rail treatment methods •Track geometry correction - Tamping