The future of rail is closer than you think.
Enable a truly 24/7 operation with Embedded Rail Technology.
Enable a truly 24/7 operation with Embedded Rail Technology.
ERT only requires approximately four elements per metre. Modern rail systems require between 50 and 90 elements. A slipform or pre-cast concrete base with an embedded rectangular block rail, removes the need for all the components used in fastening and anchoring a traditional rail.
Less elements means less things that can fail. Which, apart from safer rail, means less maintenance. The only remaining requirement is to replace rails when they wear out. Thanks to ERT’s unique and more robust rail profile, the need for replacement is less frequent.
Minimal maintenance requirements provide true 24/7 uptime. This enables more goods and passengers to be transported per day. With higher tonnage and higher speeds, uptime becomes even more valuable.
ERT is a reliable and safe track solution. A proven efficient system that offers best value and comes with a host of other benefits.
*The lifetime cost of ERT is much more cost efficient than traditional processes as proven in European studies and sites across Spain and the UK. To enable its suite of benefits, the system installation is currently being automated, to install it during short track access times offered by the rail operators. When the installation cost approaches that of a ballasted track, the ERT system is irresistible.
One
The system is specifically designed to be installed using inexpensive, standard and readily available civil engineering equipment for the concreting and the railing. Now we are automating the alignment of the rails to speed up the installation process.
Two
While the output is quite different from traditional rail, many of the tools required to get the job done can – with a little ingenuity – be repurposed for ERT. We are developing solutions to combine the incredible precision of robotics with the functionality and availability of the existing industry equipment.
Three
As with all things, the simplest solution often requires the most work. We have assembled a team of experts to develop the solutions to increase the efficiency and reduce the time of installation.
As Australia and New Zealand’s leading integrated services provider, Downer ensures the objectives are met by a dedicated senior leadership team in its Infrastructure Projects business unit.
As Australia and New Zealand’s leading integrated services provider, Downer ensures the objectives are met by a dedicated senior leadership team in its Infrastructure Projects business unit.
+
–
By providing a Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) grant, the Australian Government is assisting Downer with the project’s funding.
By providing a Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) grant, the Australian Government is assisting Downer with the project’s funding.
+
–
Led by Charles Penny, inventor of the Embedded Rail Track system, ERT Ltd provides the background knowledge to guide the other partners towards the speediest delivery of the project’s objectives.
Led by Charles Penny, inventor of the Embedded Rail Track system, ERT Ltd provides the background knowledge to guide the other partners towards the speediest delivery of the project’s objectives.
+
–
With its automation expertise from the Facility for Intelligent Fabrication, University of Wollongong is bringing bespoke robotic solutions to construct track components to required tolerances.
With its automation expertise from the Facility for Intelligent Fabrication, University of Wollongong is bringing bespoke robotic solutions to construct track components to required tolerances.
+
–
In partnership with Antoun Civil, University of Technology Sydney assists the development of the concrete and grout mixture that sets to the required hardness in the allowable timeframe.
In partnership with Antoun Civil, University of Technology Sydney assists the development of the concrete and grout mixture that sets to the required hardness in the allowable timeframe.
+
–
A specialist in mission-critical concrete delivery, Antoun Civil are solving the concrete forming piece to lay concrete at a high speed with high accuracy.
A specialist in mission-critical concrete delivery, Antoun Civil are solving the concrete forming piece to lay concrete at a high speed with high accuracy.
+
–
Concept development
Oct '20 to Dec '20
Delivery phases 1–4
Jan '21 to Dec '21
Delivery phases 5–7
Jan ’22 to Jun ‘22
Having completed the research phase in December 2020, the research team is now exploring and evolving installation and construction solutions by December 2021, and resolving special components, maintenance and testing by June 2022.
The future of rail is almost here. Get ready.
Be part of the transformation – get involved. Contact us: DownerERT@downergroup.com
