The gold medal from the International Engineering Fair in the category of Innovation in Transport and Logistics went to a project of cooperation across faculties, universities, private companies and countries.

The flexible modular system for building cycle paths on disused railway lines uses abandoned tracks and promotes sustainability in transport.

The development of the system was led by a team led by Professor Ľubomir Šooš from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava in cooperation with the Brno University of Technology and private companies. The modular modular system consists of composite concrete panels and special couplings. These panels are easily assembled onto existing rails without the need to dismantle the railway infrastructure, allowing for easy conversion of disused lines into cycle paths.

Panels on rails

The system consists of flat panels with grooves and couplings that ensure a firm attachment to the rail tracks. The panels can be joined behind or alongside each other, allowing for variable arrangements of cycle tracks, barriers or shelters. The flexibility of the system allows it to be quickly installed and removed without damaging the rails, which is a major advantage when rail traffic is restored.

In addition, the panels are made from recycled materials such as plastic and rubber. The reuse of materials not only reduces the ecological footprint but also increases the durability and longevity of the panels. The system does not require complex construction and offers a quick solution for reviving unused tracks.

 

International cooperation

The innovative project is a collaboration between universities and industrial partners. The project involves the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Brno University of Technology together with private companies. This cooperation enables a comprehensive approach from the analysis of the condition of the lines, through the design and manufacture of the panels to their installation.

The project has great potential for the development of sustainable transport and tourism. Reviving abandoned railways as cycle paths creates new opportunities to promote healthy lifestyles, ecological transport and accessibility to more remote areas.

The Gold Medal from MSV Brno 2024 is a well-deserved award not only for its innovative approach, but also for its contribution to environmental protection and sustainable transport development.

Looking to the future

The development of prototype panels made of composite materials and their strength testing is currently underway. The team is working to optimise the production process, which will include automated assembly of the panels on site on the railway lines. The goal is to offer a comprehensive solution not only for Slovakia and the Czech Republic, but also for other countries that are dealing with similar problems with unused infrastructure.

Congratulations to the whole team on their success!