Projects of CFC - Mining

    Constructed Facilities Center (CFC) of West Virginia University will develop modular track panels for the mining transportation industry that will improve coal mining productivity and safety in West Virginia.  This investigation will also include the modular track capabilities to improve safety at railroad crossings and at light rail passenger platforms in railroad stations. The grant will provide support for testing and evaluating ballast less tangent modular track panel over the next year.  The panels consist of two (2) parallel post-tensioned concrete beams interconnected at discrete intervals by steel cross ties to be used initially in the mining railways.  The use of such a low maintenance modular track system will provide continuous support, thereby reducing track bed settlement and improving overall efficiency and safety.  The modular track panels will then be evaluated for passenger and freight railroads and highway crossing elements.