Статті КТМ

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Browsing Статті КТМ by Author "Tiutkin, Oleksii L."

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    Roles and functions of asphalt sub-ballast in the modern maintenance of the European railways
    (Tongji University and Tongji University Press, 2025) La Placa, A.; Autelitano, F.; Neduzha, Larysa O.; Tiutkin, Oleksii L.; Giuliani, F.
    ENG: The railway network is increasingly becoming central to the socio-economic development and the decarbonisation of transport, supporting its growth in compliance with the emission reduction targets set by the 2050 European Green Deal. Thus, several programmes for the major network renewals and the construction of safe, resilient and efficient high-speed lines have been implemented. In this scenario, some construction solutions have been introduced to enhance the durability and functionality of the railway infrastructure, particularly for the ballasted track one. Among these design techniques, the asphalt or bituminous sub-ballast has emerged as a proven technology capable of improving the railway performance and durability. Derived from the road construction approach, asphalt sub-ballast has been used in the European high-speed and high-capacity lines since the 1970s, providing both structural and functional benefits. This article offers a critical review of the current knowledge on the asphalt sub-ballast applications, highlighting its technical characteristics and long-term performances. Functional, structural and economic advantages have been assessed and analysed based on laboratory scale and on-field experiences. Experimental data indeed confirm the effectiveness of asphalt sub-ballast in improving the track stability and load distribution, in providing better water drainage and in reducing fatigue induced phenomena. These enhanced properties lead to lower maintenance costs and operations, particularly those related to ballast tamping, as well as to an extended service life of the whole infrastructure. From the circular economy perspective, the re-use or recycle of wastes and by-products in these mixes amplifies the cost-benefit ratio, also improving their sustainability.