edilon)(sedra - Embedded Rail and Embedded Block Systems

For over 50 years, the Dutch company, Edilon has developed, manufactured and applied polymer-based products for permanent way applications. These include the Edilon Corkelast® Embedded Rail and Embedded Block System, acoustic web blocks, the Adjustable Baseplate System glued insulated and conductive joints, adhesive for timber sleeper protection and polymers and adhesives for civil engineering applications.

Edilon strives to be an inventive and innovative partner in the design and realisation processes for the provision of permanent and cost-effective rail infrastructure.

CHOOSING A RAIL SYSTEM

It has been a long time since the choice of a rail system depended entirely on technical considerations. Life cycle calculations, environmental legislation and the demands for high rates of availability to the railway authorities are just a few of the major factors to be considered nowadays.

A successful rail system must therefore satisfy these modern requirements as well as reduction of vibration and noise disturbance so that environmental licenses are obtained more readily. It should also be long-lasting and maintenance free so that servicing and upkeep constitute only a modest percentage of life cycle calculations. It should also be easy to install so that disruption to services is minimal.

EMBEDDED RAIL SUPPORT SYSTEMS

This vision has led to the development of innovative technology for laying rails: the embedded rail. Rails are no longer fastened to sleepers but embedded for their full length in the elastic material known as Edilon Corkelast®.

Another system is the embedded block: a non-continuous, elastic and watertight rail support system. Both systems are ideally suited to the classic forms of transport – metros, trams and trains. Furthermore, they also constitute the perfect solution for the infrastructure concepts of the future: light rail, heavy rail and high speeds.

IDEAS AND TECHNOLOGY

Just as the idea of insulating against noise and vibration is amazingly simple, so the level of the technology behind Edilon Corkelast® Rail Systems is advanced. The unique blend of special elastomers has resulted in excellent isolation properties. Moreover, the systems have stable geometry, low construction weight and minimum construction height.

From an environmental point of view, Edilon Corkelast® Rail System materials are recyclable and they also prevent soil pollution.

APPLYING THE KNOWLEDGE

For the Edilon Corkelast® Rail Systems, the traditional ballast bed is replaced by structures of steel or concrete which carry twin longitudinal recesses. This foundation can be installed automatically, as indeed can the embedded rail.

The rail is suspended or 'floated' in the recess and the Edilon Corkelast® is poured around it. Due to the fact that Edilon Corkelast® is in liquid form when applied, it is sufficiently flexible to allow manual application if necessary.

PUBLIC RAILWAY SYSTEMS

In fact the Edilon Corkelast® Rail Systems can be adapted to any railway design or system. Infrastructure managers all over the world have been pleased to take advantage of the almost endless possibilities offered by these systems – and with good reason. They mean rapid and cheap installation and remain virtually maintenance free for a proven period of more than 30 years.