Review Article
From Ballast to Slab: Transforming Rail Infrastructure for the Future
Mohamed Abd El-Sattar Mohamed Younos*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
1-11
Received:
17 February 2025
Accepted:
28 February 2025
Published:
26 March 2025
Abstract: Slab track systems have emerged as a transformative solution in rail infrastructure, offering superior performance and sustainability compared to traditional ballasted tracks. This abstract provides an overview of the key aspects, advantages, challenges, and ongoing research in the realm of slab track systems. The design of slab track systems centers on a robust concrete slab foundation that serves as a stable base for rail fixation. This design minimizes maintenance needs, enhances durability, and supports higher train speeds. The advantages of reduced maintenance, improved stability, and extended lifespan make slab track systems particularly suitable for high-speed rail applications and urban transit networks. While initial construction costs may be higher, the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance expenses and enhanced operational efficiency justify the investment. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing design parameters, exploring advanced materials, and developing modeling techniques to better understand the dynamic behavior of slab track systems. These efforts aim to further improve their performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Challenges such as sensitivity to temperature variations are being addressed through innovative engineering solutions. Additionally, environmental considerations drive research toward sustainable materials and construction practices, aiming to minimize the environmental impact of slab track systems. This abstract encapsulates the significance of slab track systems in modern rail transportation, emphasizing their role in providing sustainable, high-performance infrastructure. As demand for efficient and eco-friendly rail solutions grows, the continued development and application of slab track systems stand as a pivotal contribution to the evolution of rail transportation.
Abstract: Slab track systems have emerged as a transformative solution in rail infrastructure, offering superior performance and sustainability compared to traditional ballasted tracks. This abstract provides an overview of the key aspects, advantages, challenges, and ongoing research in the realm of slab track systems. The design of slab track systems cente...
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Research Article
Effects of Production Factors on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Compressed Earth Bricks Stabilized by Geopolymerization
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
12-21
Received:
21 May 2025
Accepted:
10 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajcbm.20250901.12
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Abstract: Geopolymerization presents an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials, particularly in the production of compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEB). This study investigates the influence of two key production factors which are the volcanic ash/laterite mass ratio (X1) and the amount of phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) activating solution (X2), on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of CSEB. The raw materials, laterite and volcanic ash collected from the Adamaoua region in Cameroon, exhibit low porosity, high specific surface area, and are rich in silica and alumina oxides. The central composite design (CCD) was employed to model and optimize the CSEB production process, with compressive strength as the response variable. Results indicate that the compressive strength is predominantly governed by the mass ratio of volcanic ash to laterite, whose main effect is 49 times greater than that of the H₃PO₄ amount. However, due to the significant interaction effect between the volcanic ash/laterite mass ratio and the amount of H₃PO₄, and the important quadratic effect of the volcanic ash/laterite mass ratio, the variation in compressive strength is nonlinear. Optimal conditions were determined to be a volcanic ash/laterite mass ratio of 0.16 and an H₃PO₄ amount of 8.69 mL, yielding a compressive strength of 33MPa. The evaluation of the hydration behavior of CSEB under optimal conditions revealed minimal water absorption under capillary rise and full immersion. In the wet state, the compressive strength decreased by approximately 10% (full immersion) and 8% (partial immersion) compared to the dry state. Overall, geopolymerization significantly enhances both the compressive strength and water resistance of CSEB.
Abstract: Geopolymerization presents an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials, particularly in the production of compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEB). This study investigates the influence of two key production factors which are the volcanic ash/laterite mass ratio (X1) and the amount of phosphoric a...
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