The UAE rail challenge: Heavy freight and desert geology

The UAE’s rail network faces extreme conditions. Traditional "tamping" is often a temporary fix. If the subgrade is weak, the fault will return. Geobear treats the root cause.

Track bed subsidence can result in an unsafe track geometry and the imposition of speed restrictions or closures until remedial works are carried out. For high-traffic routes, traditional remedial works or reconstruction can require prolonged closures, which are often unacceptable. We offer a fast, reliable, and low-disruption alternative.

Common UAE challenges

Heavy axle loads: Etihad Rail carries massive freight tonnages (aggregates, sulfur), which pulverizes ballast and stresses the subgrade.

Sabkha & dune sand: Tracks built over Sabkha or loose aeolian sand are prone to differential settlement, leading to "twist" and "top" faults.

Transition zones: The interface between the flexible track on embankment and the rigid structure (bridge/culvert) is a hotspot for dynamic impact and voiding.

Why does ground failure happen across the rail network?

Rail infrastructure is only as strong as the ground beneath it. Ground movement and instability can be caused by a number of factors, including the dynamic action of passing trains, water ingress and the natural weakness of the subgrade soil.

Track bed subsidence can result in an unsafe track geometry and the imposition of speed restrictions or closures until remedial works are carried out. For high-traffic routes, traditional remedial works or reconstruction can require prolonged closures, which are often unacceptable. We offer a fast, reliable, and low-disruption alternative.

Challenges Geobear can solve

Geobear's solutions have been developed to address the core ground-related challenges that threaten rail network integrity and extend to a variety of applications, including:

Ballastless track releveling

We restore track level and reinstate support.

Embankment strengthening

We reinforce deep-seated mechanisms of instability.

Subgrade ground improvement

We enhance the load-bearing properties of weak and compromised soils.

Void filling

We fill subsurface cavities and voids and tunnel linings preventing water ingress

Transition zones

We smooth track transitions to reduce wear.

Structural movement

Subsiding and settling lineside structures can be stabilised

Case studies

Infra case study dublin ubc4

Restoring track geometry at rail transition zones

A critical rail transition zone (where track meets a bridge abutment) was suffering from differential settlement and stiffness mismatch.

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infra case rail shugborough

A critical rail transition zone was suffering from differential settlement and stiffness mismatch

Hidden construction shafts and voids behind the lining of a critical rail tunnel posed a severe collapse risk.

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Ballast crossing

Stabilizing a high-speed level crossing

A newly rebuilt concrete level crossing suffered 60 mm settlement within a year, causing geometry faults, poor ride quality, and ongoing maintenance

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Our solutions

Illustration of geopolymer installation along rail transition zone

Geobear’s solutions are non-destructive alternatives to conventional approaches that can be delivered within limited possessions and blockades, during day or night, and in areas with limited access.

Our expansive, multi-component geopolymer is injected in liquid form through small holes via hoses from our mobile workshops.

The geopolymer rapidly cures into a solid, reinforcing, binding and densifying the surrounding soil.

Our clients benefit from ultra-fast mobilisation, rapid implementation of the design and minimal disruption.

Geobear's solutions vs the traditional approach:

The Geobear solution

Traditional methods (e.g. excavation)

Minimal disruption. Work is carried out with no excavation or major track removal required. Our mobilize workshops contain everything we need to do our work.

Highly disruptive. Conventional reconstruction can require prolonged closures and major temporary works.

Fast. We offer fast implementation and mobilization. Work is typically completed in hours or days, not weeks or months.

Slower. Can take weeks or months due to extensive labour and logistics.

Effective. Our solutions are designed to eliminate the root cause of geometry faults by increasing subgrade stiffness and re-establishing ground contact using our lightweight materials.

Knock on consequences. Traditional methods can add significant weight to an asset resulting in consequential ground movement. 

Low carbon impact. Our approach has been verified to emit much less carbon than traditional methods (50-85% less depending on the project!)

High carbon impact. Requires extensive transport of materials and heavy machinery.

Is track settlement slowing you down?

Remove speed restrictions and reduce maintenance cycles. Contact our rail engineering team for a site assessment.

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Benefits of working with Geobear

Designed solutions

Our solutions are designed by our in-house design team to meet your project requirements and maximise the effectiveness of our work.

Minimal disruption

Our methods ensure minimal disruption to railway operations, helping you keep your network running.

Enhanced safety and reliability

We provide a lasting ground improvement solution that enhances the safety and reliability of the line.

Precision and control

Real-time lift monitoring ensures controlled ground improvement with a high degree of accuracy (+/-0.5mm).

A sustainable solution

Our approach has a lower carbon impact compared to traditional methods.

FAQs

Our ground improvement treatment is particularly effective in low strength and compromised soils. Geobear’s geopolymer permeates, binds, reinforces and densifies the treated soils, creating a hybrid material. The properties of the hybrid material are therefore a function of the pre-existing soils and the ground improvement treatment design. Our in-house engineering team undertakes design on a project-by-project basis.

Our solution involves drilling small holes with a diameter of 12-16mm and injecting geopolymer through 12mm steel tubes. Our solutions are therefore minimally disruptive and non-destructive. Our works can be delivered within limited daytime or nighttime possessions with no excavation or major track removal required.

Geopolymer is an expansive chemical grout formed by combining two component parts - a resin and a hardener. The geopolymer is injected in liquid form and rapidly expands and cures into a solid. Depending on the geopolymer selected, the material forms a firm crust within seconds or minutes and has achieved 90% strength in 1-3 hours.

Need a proven rail solution?

Get in contact with us today. Let our engineers design a compliant, long-term fix for your track assets.

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