When a train crosses from an embankment area (soil) to a bridge, tunnel, viaduct or box culvert, there is an abrupt change in support conditions (strength and hardness, also known as vertical stiffness). Trying to deal with these changes, that accelerate track degradations and generate vibrations, the embankment at the approaches to these concrete structures (transition zones) are designed and constructed differently compared to the rest of the track, using cement-treated soil to constitute a wedge shaped backfill. The construction process of current solution is complex, uncertain and time-consuming for construction companies.

Besides, the change of vertical stiffness is still not solved with present construction processes. This makes that maintenance needs of transition zones are up to 6 times higher than regular tracks being an additional cost for railway infrastructure managers (mainly public companies). It is estimated that annually 471M€ (10% European investment in track maintenance) is allocated to maintenance operations in transition zones, while these only account for 2,8% of the network length.