Railway Construction
Ballast: it is the base that equally supports and transfers the stresses of the railway to the platform
The ballast is an extremely important piece for the construction of a railway. Among other characteristics, it is responsible for distributing the loads over the platform (which are very big), therefore, it must be a very resistant material. The stability and durability of the railway network depends on it, since the ballast is also responsible for suppressing the irregularities of the platform; guaranteeing the elasticity of the railway; keeping the sleepers at a firm position; facilitating the repair and maintenance of the railway's geometry; improving the permeability and ventilation, and avoiding mud pockets. Traditionally, stony materials have been utilized for railway ballast.
As a result of researches undertaken by ArcelorMittal Tubarão, the In Natura Slag ranging from 1 ¼" to 3" (32mm to 75mm) was made available in the market for applications in railway ballasts, since the slag has some characteristics that make it attractive for this type of use.
The steel slag for railway ballast presents great advantages over the other materials utilized for this application, such as stony materials:- Lower cost;
- Environmental protection, avoiding the exploration of quarries;
- Higher abrasion resistance, making a more durable ballast;
- Vesicular structure that allows for a perfect drainage of water when utilized in railway ballasts;
- Higher dead weight, resulting in economy of material used for ballasts, thus ensuring a great deal of stability;
- Logistics (facility to transport the product through the link steel mill-railway).
Railway Ballast
Discharge of Slag
Currently, a process for standardization of the LD Steel Slag for railway ballast is underway at ABNT*, further bringing benefits for the whole steelworks and railway sectors, in addition to a noble destination for the Steel Slag, without any environmental liability.
*ABNT = Brazilian Association for Technical Standards
Siderúrgica produtora de placas de aço, aços planos, bobinas e laminados a quente.
