Tensar comments on new figures released by ATOC

Geogrid technology cuts investment costs for railway expansion sustainability drive.

The Independent reported (11th April 2008) an all-time annual high of 30.1 billion rail passenger miles in the UK in 2007 (according to the Association of Train Operating Companies).

While this indicates a boom in demand for rail transport - partly due to climate change and fuel cost pressures - the RMT Union highlights that just 5% more road users turning to rail would require 50% more rail capacity.

Furthermore, investment in expanding the network is threatened by the Government's desire to reduce the GBP5 billion annual subsidy, making operators force up fares and reduce their profits.

However, geogrid technology could offset the required investment by cutting lifetime costs and improving economic and environmental sustainability.

"While rail transport is recognised as a more sustainable mode of travel than road or air, in order to attract and retain users, it must also be reliable and cost no more than the alternatives," says Tensar International's rail specialist, John Dixon.

"Using geogrid solutions significantly reduces maintenance costs and could significantly minimise timetable disruption due to fewer maintenance possessions and line speed restrictions".

Independently proven full scale laboratory tests - and actual monitored site trials on the National Rail Network - have shown Tensar geogrids, which have Network Rail Product Approval, to increase the maintenance cycle for track over poor quality ground by a factor of about 3.

No special plant or new skills are required for the installation, and the work is quick and simple.

Furthermore, Tensar geogrids provide increasingly important environmental benefits through efficient material usage and the minimization of waste.

By interlocking with and mechanically stabilising the ballast, geogrid can extend its life , resulting in less demand for quarried new material, waste disposal and transportation.

"This technique also improves rail's economic sustainability because the financial savings over the whole life of the asset far exceed the initial work cost of the simple geogrid installation," says John.

"These savings can be used to fund additional infrastructure improvements or to improve affordability for customers and/or reduce state subsidy.".

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