Comparison of environmental loads with rail track system using simplified life cycle assessment (LCA)

초록

Ballast track has some advantages compared to concrete track in the terms of noise reduction, drainage and so on. However, rail infrastructure has been exchanged from ballast track to concrete track due to the easiness of maintenance without considering prior environmental impact. In order to accomplish superior environmental position in the transportation modes, rail track system should be investigated its environmental characteristics as well as rail vehicle. In this study, two rail track systems, gravel ballast and concrete track system constructed lately in Seoul-Busan High-speed Line for KTX(Korea Train eXpress) running, were compared by quantifying their environmental loads using a LCA tool. The life cycle inventory of track systems was analyzed from their material and energy flows through a whole process. In the future, the application of LCA into railway infrastructure can achieve a fundamental technology for sustainable development