INVESTIGATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF EMBEDDED RAIL STRUCTURES

Abstract

In the Hungarian cities, large-scale investments have recently taken place or are being planned on urban railway networks. Most of them concerned the modernization of existing lines, but we can also find examples of construction of new tracks. Recently, embedded rail structures are gaining more space in Hungary as well. In this paper, we present the ecological footprint calculation of the track structures with embedded rails in prefabricated reinforced concrete slabs, and we formulate suggestions for a more environmentally conscious design
of track structures. This approach can help to achieve both climate goals and could support manufacturers, designers and construction firms to examine their products and services more complexly and make them more environmentally conscious.