(27/01/2014)  The aim is to develop heavy ballast based on the design of concrete from high-density recycled waste that mitigates the problem of ballast flight on high-speed lines.

The solution defined consists in the prefabrication of recycled concrete pieces with high density based on heavy solid waste, to simulate the characteristics and performance of the natural ballast while offering greater weight.

The research consortium is undertaking two lines of work: obtaining the optimal density and shape of the particles and the development of new high-density recycled concrete. The prefabrication methodology used offers a granular size and morphology whose behaviour is enhanced with respect to natural ballast, allowing tamping operations and technical features appropriate for proper operation of a high-speed line.

Its location on the rail infrastructure is at the top of the ballast bed, given the fact that this is the area susceptible to the phenomenon of ballast flight, and with variable thickness.

Environmental advantage

Additionally, this solution adds an environmental component to the construction or renovation of high-speed railway lines, as it values in its manufacturing high-density waste from various industrial areas such as steel or construction.

The new heavy ballast has the same ease of placing as conventional ballast and offers the possibility to be used in the renovation of existing railway lines or in the building of new ones.