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Cutting-edge research has transformed rail track design
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RAIL Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has transformed modern
rail-track design following cutting-edge research into ballast and
track degradation, which has the potential to save millions of
dollars and improve safety for the rail industry.
The research project was led by University of Wollongong’s
(UoW) Professor of Civil Engineering Buddhima Indraratna, and
managed by RailCorp Senior Geotechnical Advisor David Christie.
Mr Christie said that for rail-track operators, the innovative
research meant significantly reduced maintenance costs, improved
rail transportation safety, and less quarry waste-product - all
related to the adoption of a new ballast grading, already in use by
RailCorp.
“As a result of this research project, we now have new
standards of ballast construction that have the potential to reduce
settlement of the track, minimise breakage of the ballast and
increase the lateral stability of the track,” Mr Christie
said.
“This means less track maintenance, less chance of track
buckling and train derailment, fewer traffic interruptions and less
quarry waste. It all adds up to the potential of saving the rail
industry many millions of dollars.
“The research techniques also promote the recycling of used
aggregates, which reduces the need for fresh quarried rock and
unwarranted environmental degradation.
“We welcome any improvement in track stability - especially
under extreme temperature changes.
“The results are looking good and the findings can be
implemented at a very small cost - the benefits are plusses in all
directions.
“There are immediate efficiencies and cost savings for us as
the track operator - and for the train operator, it means fewer
interruptions to traffic – which also adds up to significant
cost savings.”
RailCorp has submitted the revised ballast standards to the
Australian Standards for National adoption.
Prof Indraratna and his UoW research team are currently verifying
the research findings at a RailCorp test track site at Bulli on the
NSW South Coast.
Prof Indraratna said the research verification would also validate
the project’s innovative track design and maintenance
software tool, which demonstrates how modern track designs can
cater for faster and heavier trains into the future.
“We have designed and built innovative large-scale testing
equipment unique to Australia,” Prof Indraratna said.
“University of Wollongong doctoral research students are
carrying out cutting-edge analyses of field-test results. Our
research findings have now also been adopted in other countries
including the UK.”
RailCorp and the UoW research team will continue to monitor the
Bulli field trial over the next six to twelve months, with the hope
that the new techniques will be adopted by wider Australia.
The ballast project is one of approximately 40 Rail CRC research
projects established and supported under the Australian
Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Programme.
Rail CRC consists of rail industry partners – Rail Corp, TMG
Rail Technology, ARTC, Pacific National, and Queensland Rail - and
six university partners – the University of Wollongong,
University of South Australia, Central Queensland University,
Monash University, The University of Queensland, and Queensland
University of Technology.
For more information on this and other Rail CRC projects
visit www.railinnovation.com.au.
