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Techday NZ
09-05-2025
- General
- Techday NZ
The transformation of American railroads: From industrial revolution to sustainable strength
Honoring our past while forging a sustainable future for modern rail infrastructure America's rail network stands as one of the most significant technological and economic achievements in our nation's history. From the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's first run in 1830 to today's integrated systems covering over 140,000 miles, railroads have been the backbone of American commerce and connectivity. This National Train Day, we recognize the force that has shaped our nation's landscape and economy for nearly two centuries. And yet, the railroad industry now faces a critical turning point. Climate change, resource conservation, and environmental responsibility require us to rethink the traditional infrastructure solutions we've used since the 19th century. This isn't abandoning our heritage—it's applying the same innovative spirit that built the transcontinental railroad to today's challenges of delivering operation excellence and unmatched safety with sustainability and ecological responsibility. The engineering marvel of American railways The early American railroad showcased industrial ingenuity at its finest—steam locomotives running on tracks secured to wooden ties cut from old-growth trees. Trees were felled along the right of way as the railroad expanded across the continent. These wooden foundations powered the transportation revolution that drove westward expansion and transformed America into an industrial powerhouse. Simply put, the wooden tie became the bedrock of our entire rail network. The thing is, this historical approach has had significant environmental costs. We replace about 20 million wooden ties annually, harvesting 6 million trees in the process. The concrete alternatives developed in the early 20th century and expanded in the 1970s created their own problems: high embodied carbon, susceptibility to cracking in extreme conditions, and substantial lifecycle costs. To truly honor the railroad's legacy, we can't just replicate old solutions. We need to advance toward more sustainable alternatives that maintain the industry's core values of service and excellence. The sustainability imperative in modern rail infrastructure The railroad industry has clear environmental advantages that make it essential for a sustainable transportation future. Rail freight moves a massive portion of America's long-distance cargo while producing far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than trucks. Each railroad, from the Class 1s to the shortlines, has a well-articulated sustainability vision and plan. But this advantage doesn't let us off the hook for addressing our infrastructure's environmental impact. At Evertrak, we've developed composite railroad ties as a direct response to this challenge. Made with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer from recycled plastic, these ties divert waste from landfills and eliminate toxic preservatives completely. Our engineering meets or exceeds traditional materials in performance—lab and field testing proves superior resistance to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and mechanical stress, all while maintaining stability throughout their longer service life. The economics of sustainable infrastructure While the shift to sustainable infrastructure is environmentally necessary, it's also smart business. Wooden ties should last decades, but 4 to 6 million ties in high-rot regions fail in less than 12 years. This premature failure forces regular track outages, maintenance costs, and disposal problems. Evertrak's composite ties, by comparison, perform reliably for 50 years in high-rot region 1, cutting replacement costs, reducing deforestation, and eliminating dangerous creosote. We have a forest of plastic available to make better ties outside the doors of every community in America. This economic logic mirrors railroads' broader efficiency advantage. Just as rail transport maximizes freight moved per unit of energy, sustainable infrastructure maximizes longevity per installation effort. Reduced maintenance creates a cascade of benefits: lower labor needs, less equipment mobilization, fewer traffic disruptions, and better track geometry—all improving operational reliability. These advantages benefit not just railroad operators but the entire economy through stronger supply chains and lower transportation costs. Continuing the legacy of innovation On National Train Day, we honor both America's railway achievements and their ongoing evolution. The innovative drive that moved the industry from steam through diesel electrification to today's precision scheduled railroading must now tackle infrastructure sustainability. This isn't abandoning tradition—it's its logical next step, adapting proven principles to today's challenges. At Evertrak, we're advancing this vision through ongoing research, rigorous testing, and industry partnerships. Our composite ties aren't just a product but a philosophy: preserving our railroad heritage requires forward-thinking innovation, not rigid adherence to old methods. By embracing sustainable solutions, we honor the industry's transformative legacy while ensuring its future for generations. The iron horse transformed 19th century America, but its 21st century successor must combine that revolutionary power with environmental responsibility and resource stewardship.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Megha entity launches GFRP rebar as alternative to concrete steel reinforcement
MEIL Group entity Olectra has launched Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Rebar as an alternative to concrete steel reinforcement. The launch marks Olectra's official entry into the construction industry. GFRP Rebar not only ensures cost savings and low maintenance but also significantly improves the lifespan of structures. Its applications range from industrial flooring to pavements and bridge decks. It's eco-friendly and non-corrosive properties make it an ideal alternative to steel rebar, especially for marine projects, Chairman and Managing Director K.V. Pradeep said. The GFRP Rebar was launched by MEIL managing director P.V. Krishna Reddy, the company said in a release. The new product is engineered with ECR Glass and Epoxy Resin. Its non-corrosive, non-magnetic, non-conductive and water-resistant properties make it ideal for a wide range of applications, especially in harsh and demanding environment.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Could Survive Wildfires: SUNY Canton students revolutionize concrete
CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI) – A team of Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology majors from SUNY Canton has been recognized for their work with concrete, the research team suggests using lightweight concrete to make homes more resilient. SUNY Canton Athletes of the Week Feb. 17 According to Canino School of Engineering Technology Associate Professor Saeid Haji Ghasemali, their formulas can provide reduced fire risk, increased durability, lower maintenance and insurance costs. 'Using glass fiber reinforced polymer (GRFP) with lightweight concrete instead of wood could make homes much more fire-resistant and durable, as affected areas look to rebuild,' Haji Ghasemali said. 'While no material is completely fireproof, this combination doesn't burn like wood and can better withstand high temperatures, helping homes survive longer in a wildfire. Plus, it's stronger and doesn't rust, making it a smart choice for building safer, more resilient communities.' The students replace steel rebar with fiberglass rods to reinforce concrete. Steel rebar can conduct electricity and corrode. The team has found that by using fiberglass rods instead they can improve strength-to-weight ratio, seismic performance and overall sustainability. 'In wildfire-prone areas like California, investing in fire-resistant construction could prevent costly losses and improve safety,' said Haji Ghasemali. Research by SUNY Canton's students is ongoing in preparation for when the industry adopts it. the American Concrete Institute (ACI) code currently does not include provisions for using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) in lightweight concrete. Tests and experiments by SUNY Canton students will help generate the necessary data to fill the gap in the building code, according to the associate professor. The students' research in the field was selected as one of eight winners of the Spring 2025 Undergraduate Research Session at the annual ACI Convention, to be held on March 31 in Toronto. In 2023, the team came in second place for their research during an ACI competition 'The SUNY Canton ACI Student Chapter highlights the incredible potential and capability of our students and faculty within the Canino School of Engineering Technology,' said Dean Michael J. Newtown. 'Our students have demonstrated their ability to conduct cutting-edge research on the latest technologies in Civil Engineering with real-world applications.' For more information on SUNY Canton, you can visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
ME Construction
29-01-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
NovusCrete to pioneer green concrete initiative
Sustainability NovusCrete to pioneer green concrete initiative By This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability Saudi Arabia's Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) has announced the launch of a new consortium in collaboration with NEOM and a raft of selected international partners, NovusCrete. This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The consortium partners include the Kingdom's sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), as well as leading Swiss specialty chemicals company Sika and US-based startup ClimateCrete. The move is aimed at developing sustainable and innovative technologies in concrete production, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector and enhancing the environmental efficiency of the materials used. The new consortium is supported by leading local and international entities, including the American Concrete Institute (ACI), which established 'Committee 243 – Seawater Concrete', responsible for developing reports, guidelines, standards and codes on the use of seawater in concrete. The agreement was signed by the consortium partners in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Energy as well as Chairman of the OSP Supervisory Committee. The NovusCrete Consortium, led by OSP, aims to develop standards and codes on the use of seawater in concrete and promote sustainability in the building and construction sectors by recycling waste, extending infrastructure lifespan, and reducing the environmental impact of the sectors. According to OSP, the consortium marks a strategic milestone in fostering innovation and advancing sustainable development through the adoption of cutting-edge solutions designed to meet future demands. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz commented: 'The consortium focuses on creating new opportunities for the building and construction sector, the manufacturing sector and the Saudi value chain, and supporting the development of new technologies that can deliver sustainability and cost benefits.' The consortium seeks to accelerate technological advancements in sustainable concrete solutions, while giving priority to localisation, via the use of seawater, polymer-based materials, recycled construction and demolition waste. Through this collaboration, members aim to facilitate the adoption and expansion of seawater concrete applications, reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars and other sustainable materials in the building and construction sector. The participating parties aim to empower the local construction sector by focusing on environmental protection, driving innovation, and supporting the local economy – efforts led by OSP.
Trade Arabia
27-01-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi-led consortium to spearhead sustainable concrete innovation
Saudi Arabia's Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) announced the launch of a consortium 'NovusCrete' in collaboration with NEOM (represented by the Design and Construction Sector)'s Design & Construction Sector and other international entities. The consortium partners include the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) as well as leading Swiss specialty chemicals company Sika and US-based startup ClimateCrete. The move is aimed at developing sustainable and innovative technologies in concrete production, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector and enhancing the environmental efficiency of the materials used. The new consortium is supported by leading local and international entities, including the American Concrete Institute (ACI), which established Committee 243 – Seawater Concrete, responsible for developing reports, guidelines, standards and codes on the use of seawater in concrete. The agreement was signed by the consortium partners in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Energy as well as Chairman of the OSP Supervisory Committee. Several senior officials including the PIF Governor Yasir Al Rumayyan; the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization Governor Dr Saad Al-Qasabi and Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu President Engineer Khalid Al Salem attended the event. NovusCrete Consortium, led by OSP, will aim to develop standards and codes on the use of seawater in concrete and promote sustainability in the building and construction sectors by recycling waste, extending infrastructure lifespan, and reducing the environmental impact of the sectors. According to OSP, the consortium marks a strategic milestone in fostering innovation and advancing sustainable development through the adoption of cutting-edge solutions designed to meet future demands. This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, said the minister. "The consortium focuses on creating new opportunities for the building and construction sector, the manufacturing sector and the Saudi value chain, and supporting the development of new technologies that can deliver sustainability and cost benefits," he stated. It seeks to accelerate technological advancements in sustainable concrete solutions, while prioritizing localization in the use of seawater, polymer-based materials, recycled construction and demolition waste, and fine sand. Through this collaboration, members aim to facilitate the adoption and expansion of seawater concrete applications, reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars and other sustainable materials in the building and construction sector, said OSP in its statement
