Abstract
The increase in train speed and axle load is an important goal to achieve in the future. From a technical standpoint, ballastless tracks seem to be suitable to the aim, especially when high-speed passenger trains share the track with freight trains. Based on the above, the primary objective of this study is the comparison between ballasted and slab tracks regarding total costs over the life course. A suitable model to evaluate the total costs of competing solutions is set up. A solution for solving the issue of CO2 price fluctuation and for the quantification of External Costs is also formulated. Life Cycle Costs are estimated based on agency, environmental and present user values. Analyses and results show that when Life Cycle Costing-based approaches are applied: i) Agency Costs have to be considered in the long-term perspective; ii) expected life has an appreciable impact and several solutions and systems, more affordable in the short term, yield unfavourable maintenance and renewal processes; iii) if total costs are considered over track life, the breakeven point is very far from the construction. Furthermore, the differences between the total Present Values of the two solutions become too small to yield sound conclusions in favour of the ballasted vs. the ballastless solution.
Highlights
According to the SHIFT2RAIL Strategic Master Plan 2015, rising traffic demand, congestion, security of energy supply, and climate change are some of the significant issues, which Europe and the full world are trying to face
Slab track systems show many advantages compared to traditional ballasted tracks (BT), such as: 1) low maintenance and higher availability; 2) low maintenance cost, approximately 20−30% less than BT; 3) increased service life (50–60 years); 4) higher lateral stability; 5) reduction of weight and height of the track; 6) more comfortable and more economic vegetation control
Authors are aware that conducting such a comprehensive analysis requires big data sets
Summary
According to the SHIFT2RAIL Strategic Master Plan 2015, rising traffic demand, congestion, security of energy supply, and climate change are some of the significant issues, which Europe and the full world are trying to face. Tackling these challenges and issues requires that the railway sector takes on a larger share of transport demand in the few decades. The second case refers to bending stresses and axial forces, especially in case of soils where some settlements are expected This system represents the typical solution for bridges and tunnels, due to the rigid support provided by slabs, and for light rail transit (LRT) systems. Slab track systems show many advantages compared to traditional ballasted tracks (BT), such as: 1) low maintenance and higher availability; 2) low maintenance cost, approximately 20−30% less than BT; 3) increased service life (50–60 years); 4) higher lateral stability; 5) reduction of weight and height of the track; 6) more comfortable and more economic vegetation control
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