Reduction in Railway Maintenance Costs Through the Addition of Ductile Elements Within the Track.

Abstract: Case studies on extending maintenance intervals for mainline and industrial railroad through the use of Ductile Inclusions below the track surface.

By Bruce Bush
Geopier, a Division of CMC

Increasing the lifecycle of maintenance of way repairs is a key element of maintaining a sustainable and resilient rail network. The requirements of freight schedules and muti-use tracks limit the downtime available for required track maintenance and repair. A reduction in required maintenance intervals not only reduces the carbon footprint of railroads by reducing the emissions of machinery through a reduction of maintenance cycles but also increases productivity. Additions of Ductile Inclusions that allow track maintenance without the need for extended track time or shutdown windows while increasing maintenance cycles creates a more resilient railway by upgrading existing infrastructure to make it more resistant to environmental factors.

This presentation will provide the background and lessons learned by looking at two project profiles with entirely different soil profiles and geographical locations. Examples and discussion of pre and post improvement will explore reductions in static and dynamic deflections, settlement of rail through the introduction of Ductile Inclusions within the track footprint, and long term effects on the track performance. The presentation will cover the engineering methods, installation process, and test results for each project. Projects will cover reduction in carbon footprint due to limiting the required equipment for upgrades and effects on track resilience.

The presentation will highlight technology used to reduce track movement by installing Ductile inclusions within the track footprint as well as testing performed by Queens University in Canada as well as survey data collected in the Gulf Coast area of the US. Emphasis will be on how elements increase track sustainability and longevity by reducing long-term maintenance costs and track downtime. Information will be presented from independent testing and data collection showing long term performance of the track as it pertains to the two primary projects.