More Efficient, Safer and More Sustainable Working in Underground Rail Infrastructure: Circular Cable Trough Contributes to Efficient Project Delivery
The pressure on underground rail infrastructure is increasing. Rail networks are becoming more complex, the number of cable systems is growing, and requirements relating to safety, availability and sustainability are becoming increasingly stringent. At the same time, delivery capacity is under pressure. This calls for solutions that are faster, more manageable and more sustainable, including within underground rail infrastructure.
EcoTray Circular Cable Trough: Developed for Today’s Rail Industry
Concrete cable troughs are still widely used in underground rail infrastructure, but experience shows that they are becoming less suited to today’s operating environment. They are heavy, susceptible to damage and labour-intensive to install. This increases the risk of delays and additional costs. New solutions, such as the EcoTray circular cable trough, are better aligned with the current requirements of railway construction projects.
The EcoTray has been developed as a sustainable alternative to concrete and is manufactured using Reprocessed Thermo Composite (RTC). Decommissioned wind turbine blades are processed into high-quality fibres which, together with a thermoplastic binding agent, form an innovative material consisting of both thermoset and thermoplastic components. Thanks to this innovative composition, the product is 99% circular and generates approximately 80% less CO₂ emissions than traditional concrete cable troughs. Its sustainable composition delivers a demonstrably lower environmental impact, resulting in significantly improved Environmental Cost Indicator (ECI) scores.
Faster Installation, Lower Failure Costs
The EcoTray not only makes a difference in terms of sustainability, but also delivers immediate benefits during installation. The cable trough is robust and capable of withstanding heavy loads. Whereas concrete structures can crack or break during transport or installation, the EcoTray remains intact. This helps prevent failures, rework and delays, resulting in a more controllable process and lower failure costs.
The cable trough also offers significant advantages in terms of handling and installation. Thanks to its low weight and the option of installing the units using a vacuum lifting system, the physical strain on employees is reduced. This makes the work faster, more ergonomic and safer, while also enabling smaller crews to operate without compromising on quality or productivity.
In addition, the lower weight improves logistics efficiency. More cable troughs can be transported per shipment, reducing the number of transport movements required and lowering the overall environmental impact.
Sustainable Without Compromise, Proven in Practice
The EcoTray combines circular material use with strong technical performance. The product is fully recyclable at the end of its service life and demonstrably contributes to improved ECI scores.
Its performance has been tested and proven. Drop tests from a height of six metres have demonstrated that the cable trough can withstand heavy loads without cracking or deformation. The EcoTray has also been successfully applied in projects such as the Hoorn emplacement, where it received a positive assessment from our customer.
These positive experiences were further reinforced this spring when an independent jury selected the product for the top three of the RailTech Innovation Award. This independent recognition confirms the innovation’s relevance and distinctive value within the railway sector.
Underground rail infrastructure requires solutions that combine speed, reliability and sustainability. The EcoTray brings all three together in a single product.
Would you like to learn more about the EcoTray circular cable trough? Please contact Product Manager Stefan Schrader.
