Objective When a train crosses from an embankment area (soil) to a bridge, tunnel, viaduct or box culvert, there is an abrupt change in support conditions (strength and hardness, also known as vertical stiffness). Trying to to deal with these changes, that accelerate track degradations and generate vibrations, the embankment at the approaches to these concrete structures (transition zones) are designed and constructed differently compared to the rest of the track, using cement-treated soil to constitute a wedge shaped backfill. The construction process of current solution is complex, uncertain and time-consuming for construction companies.Besides, the change of vertical stiffness is still not solved with present construction processes. This makes that maintenance needs of transition zones are up to 6 times higher than regular tracks being an additional cost for railway infrastructure managers (mainly public companies). It is estimated that annually 471M€ (10% European investment in track maintenance) is allocated to maintenance operations in transition zones, while these only account for 2,8% of the network length.TORRESCAMARA has developed DIGITALIA, an innovative solution for transition zones based on precast concrete slabs that properly smooth vertical stiffness and maintain this performance over time, with the aim of: 1) Simplifying, speeding up and reducing costs of the construction process, as DIGITALIA is 60% cheaper than current solutions while taking just 10% of time 2) Reducing maintenance operations needed (equaling regular track needs) and costs, while increasing track availability for train operating companies, 3) Reducing the associated vibrations to improve passenger comfort.Looking at Europe only, DIGITALIA opens the way to a market worth nearly 140 M€ by the 5th year.In Phase 1, we will focus on the elaboration of a comprehensive business plan that ensures a quick market deployment through the development of a demonstration element in Phase 2. Fields of science social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementbusiness models Programme(s) H2020-EU.3.4. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport Main Programme H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument Topic(s) IT-1-2015-1 - Small business innovation research for Transport Call for proposal H2020-SMEInst-2014-2015 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-SMEINST-1-2015 Funding Scheme SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1 Coordinator TORRESCAMARA Y CIA DE OBRAS SA Net EU contribution € 50 000,00 Address CL FONTETA DE SORIA 4 OLIVA 46780 VALENCIA Spain See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Este Comunitat Valenciana Valencia/València Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 71 429,00
