High output, low cost automated Embedded Rail Track (ERT)

Project Member(s): Vessalas, K., Khabbaz, M., Sheng, D.

Funding or Partner Organisation: University of Wollongong (University of Wollongong CRC-P)
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (Cooperative Research Centre - Projects CRC-P)
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (Cooperative Research Centre - Projects CRC-P)
ANTOUN CIVIL ENGINEERING (AUST) PTY LTD (Antoun Civil Engineering CRCP)
EMBEDDED RAIL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED (Embedded rail technology CRCP)
Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd (Downer EDI works CRCP)

Start year: 2020

Summary: The demand to increase safety and utilisation of heavy-haul and high-speed rail infrastructure in Australia has led to the development of an ERT system which avoids derailment and increases utilisation capacity up by 30%. Cost of installation is currently double and installation time is 7 times that of ballast track. Led by Downer and in partnership with the University of Wollongong, University of Sydney, Antoun Civil and Eur Ing Charles Penny, this project will investigate automation technologies to dramatically reduce the cost of ERT installation and be competitive with traditional ballast. ERT technology will transform how rail is constructed and will significantly contribute to the multibillion dollar mining and transportation sectors.

FOR Codes: Civil geotechnical engineering , Civil Construction Design, Civil Geotechnical Engineering

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.