Use of UHPFRC in Fixed Railway Track Construction: Conceptual Design and Validation

This paper outlines concepts using ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced composite (UHPFRC) to address structural deficiencies in modern fixed railway track systems of concrete, focusing on enhancing structural safety, durability, and fatigue resistance. It introduces UHPFRC as a key material known for its high compacity and ability to remain crack-free in the serviceability limit state. In the context of modern railway infrastructure, where robust, durable, and crack-free construction is necessary for safe train operation, UHPFRC has the potential to provide cost-effective solutions for critical, heavily stressed areas of slab-like ballastless railway track systems and to improve the load-bearing structures of railway bridges with fixed railway tracks. Its use is expected to significantly reduce maintenance costs and extend the service duration of fixed railway tracks to align with the service duration of load-bearing structures of more than 100 years.