the sealant is damaged by weather or environmental conditions as shown in fig5 one or more drip holes 45 can be provided in the bottom plate 4 to eliminate any moisture or condensation from within the base section 2 the panel 1 can be attached to support columns generally indicated at 46 provided to support the platform the support columns 46 typically comprise a concrete footing 47 on which a metal i beam 48 is mounted the i beams 48 are usually arranged to support adjacent panels along the length of the platform to facilitate connection to the i beam 48 panel 1 is provided with z clip mounting brackets 49 a metal channel 57 is bonded to the inside 58 of bottom plate 4 additional support haunches can be provided in the bottom plate if required the z clip bracket 49 is connected to channel 57 by machine screws 59 that go into threaded holes 60 in the channel 57 the z clips 49 channel 57 and screws 59 are preferably stainless steel to resist corrosion testing of the panel indicated that the connection clips can withstand a 6000 lb uplift force with minimal 0 01 and 0 03 inches permanent deformation of the clip connection this is more than adequate to withstand the uplift forces generated by high speed trains the base section 2 including the internal longitudinal and cross support members 9 10 are formed of a polymer matrix composite comprising reinforcing fibers and a polymer resin to provide light weight and durability suitable reinforcing fibers include glass.