A project to convert kerbside waste into tram stop platforms is being researched by Monash University’s Institute of Railway Technology in partnership with Yarra Trams, Integrated Recycling and Advanced Circular Polymers (ACP).
According to Professor Ravi Ravitharan, director of the Monash Institute of Railway Technology, the project will develop ways to turn recycled plastics into modular components that are ‘fit-for-purpose’ for the construction of future tram stop platforms across Melbourne.
A planned outcome of the project, which has received $300,000 in Victorian government funding, is to make Melbourne’s tram network more sustainable, accessible for people with disabilities and less disruptive to maintain and develop.
“Our team of researchers will look at a number of suitable options of recycled materials that can be manufactured into a prototype which will then be trial assembled, and load tested at the Institute of Railway Technology laboratories,” said Ravitharan, confirming that a range of recycled thermoplastic will be considered as part of the project.
ACP will supply the recycled plastic mix recovered from kerbside waste collections that will be used to produce the base material in the tram stop platforms.
“Developing new value-added recycled products with advanced manufacturing is essential for the recycling sector to create demand and secure the supply chain for recycled plastics,” said ACP’s managing director Harry Wang.
Integrated Recycling, creators of the Duratrack railway sleeper, will manufacture and trial modular elements of tram stop platforms for testing and prototyping purposes.
“We’re delighted to collaborate in the development of future tram stops that will recognise the value in repurposing waste plastics in infrastructure applications. By incorporating waste plastics into the concept design, we hope to achieve maximum benefits,” said Stephen Webster, general manager at Integrated Recycling.
The project outcome will be to deliver a circular economy framework involving a complete supply chain of recycled materials. The partnership between the Monash Institute of Railway Technology and local industry partners from supply to end use will deliver innovative commercial and environmental impacts.
This will not only offer alternative solutions for tram stop platforms, but also create an awareness of the application of these materials into other industries such as railway platforms, bridges, domestic decking and level crossing panels.
“This partnership with the Monash University Institute of Railway Technology is just one example of how Yarra Trams is working to make our operations more environmentally friendly. From all our trams being powered by one of Victoria’s largest solar farms, to recycled materials being utilised in infrastructure projects across the network, to the ongoing installation of solar panels and energy efficient lighting in our depots, we’re playing our part to create a greener and more sustainable Melbourne,” said Yarra Trams’ chief executive Julien Dehornoy.
Ravitharan has invited recycled plastic suppliers who want to be involved in the project to contact Monash Institute of Railway Technology.
Full details on the project can be found here.
