Use of waste rubber inclusions for ballasted railway construction - A real-life case study

Abstract

The rail track substructure is an essential element in ballasted embankment, transferring the train loadings to underlying subgrade soil. To enhance track performance and embrace circular economy, three different track formations modified with rubber waste additives were constructed at the Chullora Technology Precinct (near Sydney), Australia. A blended mix of ballast aggregates and recycled rubber granules, geogrids made of recycled rubber panels, and recycled tyres infilled with granular waste are the three innovative concepts used in this real-life application. This paper evaluates the vertical stress distribution of modified track sections compared to the conventional ballasted track substructure under train loads. Monitoring outcomes demonstrate that stress redistribution due to rubber inclusion can increase track longevity.