Keynote presentations by Distinguished Prof. Buddhima Indraratna
Conference: 1ST International Symposium on Construction Resources for Environmental Sustainable Technologies (CREST2020) – 9 to 11 March 2021
Keynote title: Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Adopting Energy - absorbing Waste Materials
Keynote abstract: Ballasted rail tracks are the most common type of transportation infrastructure. However, ballast progressively degrades under dynamic loads and impact loads. The degree of degradation will be accelerated due to the increasing demand for higher speed passenger trains and heavier axle load freight transportation. It is therefore that novel technical methods are adopted to enhance track conditions. Over the past two decades, a number of studies have been conducted by the researchers of Transport Research Centre (TRC) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to investigate the ability of recycled rubber mats/pads, as well as waste tyre cells and granulated rubber to improve the stability and longevity of rail track. This paper presents an overview of these novel methods and materials used in recent studies based on large scale laboratory tests (i.e. cubical triaxial tests and drop hammer impact tests) and numerical modelling. Moreover, in an effort to put theory into practice, the performance of under ballast shock mats placed at ballast-bridge deck interfaces has been investigated in field tests carried out at Singleton (near Newcastle, Australia). The test results and the numerical modelling shows that rubber inclusions will greatly improve overall track performance.
Conference: The Second International Conference on Rail Transportation (ICRT2021) – 5 to 7 July 5-7 2021
Keynote title: Recycled Materials in Railroad Substructure – An Energy Perspective
Keynote abstract: Given that current ballasted tracks may not be able to support much faster and significantly heavier freight trains in Australia as planned for the future, the imminent need for innovative and sustainable ballasted tracks for transport infrastructure is crucial. Over the past two decades, a number of studies have been conducted by the researchers of Transport Research Centre (TRC) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to investigate the ability of recycled rubber mats/pads, as well as waste tyre cells and granulated rubber to improve the stability of track substructure materials including ballast and sub-ballast layers. This Lecture reviews and presents these novel methods and materials based on large-scale laboratory tests (i.e. process simulation triaxial testing and drop-hammer impact tests) complementing advanced numerical modelling. Moreover, in an effort to put theory into practice, the performance of under-ballast rubber mats placed at ballast-bridge deck interfaces has been investigated in the field in the town of Singleton in the Hunter Valley region. The outcomes elucidated in this Lecture will lead to a better understanding of the performance of ballast tracks upgraded with artificial inclusions, while promoting environmentally sustainable and more affordable ballasted tracks for greater passenger comfort and increased safety.
Conference: 4th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics (ICTG) – 24 to 27 May 2021
Keynote title: Track Geomechanics for Future Railways: Use of Artificial Inclusions
Keynote abstract: Given that current ballasted tracks may not be able to support much faster and significantly heavier freight trains in Australia as planned for the future, the imminent need for innovative and sustainable ballasted tracks for transport infrastructure is crucial. This Lecture reviews and presents the use of artificial inclusions such as recycled rubber mats, end-of-life tires, and geogrids to stabilize ballasted tracks overlying soft formation soil for increased cyclic stress ratios compatible with real-life high axle freight trains. Large-scale laboratory tests, numerical simulations, and field tests have been carried out to facilitate new scientific findings that make a significant industry impact. The outcomes elucidated in this Lecture will lead to a better understanding of the performance of ballast tracks upgraded with artificial inclusions, while promoting environmentally sustainable and more affordable ballasted tracks for greater passenger comfort and increased safety.