Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping Review

Railway track performance and durability face growing challenges from higher speeds, heavier axle loads, and changing environmental conditions. Crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) offers a sustainable solution by repurposing waste tires into a durable material for railway trackbeds, improving both...

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Main Authors: Milad Kazemian, Ebrahim Hadizadeh Raeisi, Ahmad Davari Ghezelhesar, Amir Hajimirzajan, Szabolcs Fischer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Infrastructures
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2412-3811/10/4/84
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author Milad Kazemian
Ebrahim Hadizadeh Raeisi
Ahmad Davari Ghezelhesar
Amir Hajimirzajan
Szabolcs Fischer
author_facet Milad Kazemian
Ebrahim Hadizadeh Raeisi
Ahmad Davari Ghezelhesar
Amir Hajimirzajan
Szabolcs Fischer
author_sort Milad Kazemian
collection DOAJ
description Railway track performance and durability face growing challenges from higher speeds, heavier axle loads, and changing environmental conditions. Crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) offers a sustainable solution by repurposing waste tires into a durable material for railway trackbeds, improving both performance and environmental impact. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review synthesizes an extensive body of global research on the structural, mechanical, and environmental benefits of CRMA in railway trackbeds. A systematic literature search was conducted across major academic databases, covering studies published over several decades. Selection criteria focused on CRMA applications in railway trackbeds, using keywords such as “crumb rubber-modified asphalt”, “railway track vibration”, and “sustainable railway materials.” After rigorous screening and eligibility assessment, the most relevant peer-reviewed studies were included, emphasizing mechanical performance, durability, and environmental impact. Key findings indicate that CRMA effectively reduces ground vibrations, enhances load distribution, and lowers long-term maintenance costs while promoting sustainable waste management through tire recycling. However, challenges such as optimal mix design, potential emissions, and long-term bonding stability require further investigation. Additionally, the review was limited to English-language studies, potentially omitting relevant non-English research, and some reports were inaccessible during retrieval. This review maps critical research gaps, identifies key areas for future optimization, and highlights CRMA’s potential to advance resilient and eco-friendly railway infrastructure.
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spelling doaj-art-cf1e81996fe741e48163552da020f50f2025-08-20T03:13:32ZengMDPI AGInfrastructures2412-38112025-04-011048410.3390/infrastructures10040084Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping ReviewMilad Kazemian0Ebrahim Hadizadeh Raeisi1Ahmad Davari Ghezelhesar2Amir Hajimirzajan3Szabolcs Fischer4Department of Transport Infrastructure and Water Resources Engineering, Széchenyi István University, Egyetem tér 1, 9026 Győr, HungaryDepartment of Civil Engineering, Azad University of Amol, Babol Street, University Alley, Amol 4615143358, IranDepartment of Science and Technology, Khorramshahr University of Marine, Ibne Abitaleb Blvd, Daneshgah Street, Khorramshahr 6419934619, IranDepartment of Industrial Engineering, Yazd University, Daneshgah Blvd, Safaieh Street, Yazd 8915818411, IranDepartment of Transport Infrastructure and Water Resources Engineering, Széchenyi István University, Egyetem tér 1, 9026 Győr, HungaryRailway track performance and durability face growing challenges from higher speeds, heavier axle loads, and changing environmental conditions. Crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) offers a sustainable solution by repurposing waste tires into a durable material for railway trackbeds, improving both performance and environmental impact. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review synthesizes an extensive body of global research on the structural, mechanical, and environmental benefits of CRMA in railway trackbeds. A systematic literature search was conducted across major academic databases, covering studies published over several decades. Selection criteria focused on CRMA applications in railway trackbeds, using keywords such as “crumb rubber-modified asphalt”, “railway track vibration”, and “sustainable railway materials.” After rigorous screening and eligibility assessment, the most relevant peer-reviewed studies were included, emphasizing mechanical performance, durability, and environmental impact. Key findings indicate that CRMA effectively reduces ground vibrations, enhances load distribution, and lowers long-term maintenance costs while promoting sustainable waste management through tire recycling. However, challenges such as optimal mix design, potential emissions, and long-term bonding stability require further investigation. Additionally, the review was limited to English-language studies, potentially omitting relevant non-English research, and some reports were inaccessible during retrieval. This review maps critical research gaps, identifies key areas for future optimization, and highlights CRMA’s potential to advance resilient and eco-friendly railway infrastructure.https://www.mdpi.com/2412-3811/10/4/84crumb rubber-modified asphaltrailway trackbedssustainable railway infrastructurerailway track vibrationenvironmental impactfatigue resistance
spellingShingle Milad Kazemian
Ebrahim Hadizadeh Raeisi
Ahmad Davari Ghezelhesar
Amir Hajimirzajan
Szabolcs Fischer
Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping Review
Infrastructures
crumb rubber-modified asphalt
railway trackbeds
sustainable railway infrastructure
railway track vibration
environmental impact
fatigue resistance
title Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping Review
title_full Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping Review
title_fullStr Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping Review
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping Review
title_short Effects of Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt as a Pavement Layer in Railways: A Scoping Review
title_sort effects of crumb rubber modified asphalt as a pavement layer in railways a scoping review
topic crumb rubber-modified asphalt
railway trackbeds
sustainable railway infrastructure
railway track vibration
environmental impact
fatigue resistance
url https://www.mdpi.com/2412-3811/10/4/84
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