Estudo de viabilidade técnica-econômica de pavimentos poliméricos para passagens em nível

Abstract

Railway-Highway At-Grade Crossing is a road-rail level crossing, where the highway and railroad intersect in the same plane. When crossing is subject to the intense flow of trains and vehicles, conservation becomes essential to maintain pavement quality and user safety. In Brasil, the main material used for the surfacing and filling of passages is asphalt concrete, which rapidly deteriorates because it is not compatible with the track, mainly due to the difference in stiffness. The geometry, drainage design and the preparation of the subgrade are the main elements that contribute to the durability of the crossings. The main steps of the study are to determine the cycle and costs of maintenance of asphaltic crossings, prioritization of critical passages, and feasibility analysis of polymeric level crossings, with the objective of increasing knowledge about level crossings and using alternative materials for pavements. The method used to calculate economic viability considers the cost of the life cycle of each component involved, carried out through a tool elaborated in electronic spreadsheets. In addition to the proven performance of the polymer flooring, as results are expected longer service life, ease of maintenance, less impact to the community and to the railroad and reduced costs.