As a supplier of railway track material, Alom is playing a role in the sustainable transport of people and goods. The company is committed to keeping CO2 emissions as low as possible during the building, maintenance and development of the track. 

In our innovations, which we develop together with our customers, we look for the most sustainable solutions.

50-year lifespan
One of the examples is the FFU sleeper. These synthetic sleepers last for at least 50 years. Producers are no longer allowed to impregnate wooden sleepers in order to extend their lifespan. As the lifespan of untreated oak is between eight and twelve years, the railway sector has been looking for alternatives to wooden sleepers for some while now. Concrete sleepers have a lifespan of 40 years but are heavier: 285 kilos. On routes where concrete sleepers are not an option, FFU sleepers are a sustainable solution, in part due to the fact that they require very little maintenance.

Another innovation, in collaboration with HTM, is the development of the ABC fastening system for light rail. The aim here is also to extend the lifespan. During renewal of the track, only part of it needs to be replaced.

Versatile, sustainable innovations
In addition, the filter/protector ‘Tracktex’ is a sustainable solution realised with one of our partners. This is a filter/protector with an interwoven membrane. The unique aspect of this system is the ability to drain away water while leaving the separation between ground and ballast intact. As a result of using this filer/protector material it can be expected that the ballast bed will not have to be replaced (renewed) for an extra 10 years, as there will be less mixing with the ground/clay from the underlying embankment.

For more information, please visit Alom at RailTech Europe 2017 or go to www.alom.eu

RailTech Europe 2017