Installing green track around Australia’s light rail networks is an easy way to create greener, quieter and more climate-friendly cities.
Large cities today are becoming much more ecological and sustainably aware, with urban planners seeking new ways to increase greenery and mitigate the urban heat island effect. One way to do this is in Australia is by maximising the amount of green track installed around existing or proposed light rail systems.
Green tracks, using lawn or sedum, retain large amounts of rainwater and capture fine particulate matter and road dust, to improve the macro environment in urban centres. Moreover, the recycled rubber encapsulation of the rail significantly reduces the primary airborne noise and vibration.
The Strailastic TOR (Top of Rail) Light Rail system provides not only the opportunity for new routes to be greened using its various green track options, but also allows for simple, cost-effective green track conversion of ballasted track using the Strailastic – R Green track design.
Made for all weather
Rapid temperature changes and tropical storms are not uncommon in Australian cities and these variations can put a lot of stress on tram and light rail infrastructure, whether embedded in asphalt, pavers or concrete.
Installing green tracks can mitigate these rapid temperature changes and reduce the high stresses caused by expansion and contraction.
STRAILastic International Operations Director, Andreas Göschl, said the company’s solutions are used in areas where there are big temperature variations.
“Moulded from vulcanised rubber, STRAILastic track systems provide a high temperature stability and can easily manage the issue of expanding and contracting with a temperature range between -40°C and plus 90°C with a glass transition point of -55C,” Mr Göschl said.
“This ensures a very stable product under normal operating conditions.”
The benefits of the vulcanised rubber solution extend beyond its resilience and stability. While made from 70 per cent recycled rubber, the outer cover of virgin rubber contains UV and ozone and fire-resistant materials to withstand the elements.
Easy installation
Installing STRAILastic track systems is simple as the chamber filler is precisely moulded to fit against the rail. No glue is required, as the solution is self-clamping, finishing level with the railhead. STRAILastic track systems are also designed to withstand the wear and tear of traffic and have a non-slip moulded surface for bikes and pedestrians.
While chamber-filling elements are common to many light rail networks, not all are created equal.
“STRAILastic does not use polyurethane, as this reduces the life of the track,” Mr Göschl said.
STRAILastic light rail track damping solution keeps trams and light rail quietly moving. Backed by more than 40 years vulcanized rubber product experience, Strailastics TOR is installed in over 60 cities and 300km of light rail track.
For more information, visit strailastic.com.au
