Overview
Enabling low-carbon PSC sleepers without changing track standards
Conventional PSC sleepers use cement and natural aggregates with high CO₂ impact.
Natural aggregate depletion and rising material costs increase supply risk.
Rail projects need a low-carbon alternative compatible with current specifications.
This technology replaces 30% cement with GGBF slag and uses steel slag as aggregate.
It delivers slag-based PSC sleepers and expandable PST panels with verified performance.
Core Competencies
Purpose
Eco-friendly PSC sleepers using steel byproducts to cut CO₂ and material use.
Binder: 30% cement replacement using GGBF slag powder.
Aggregate: 100% natural fine aggregate replacement using rapid-cooled EAF oxidizing slag.
Strength: 89 MPa compressive strength after 28 days of curing.
Durability: Freeze-thaw and salt resistances meet acceptance criteria.
Production: Manufactured using conventional sleeper production specifications and facilities.
Expansion: Applicable to precast concrete slab panels (PST panels).
Eco-friendly PST panels are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 50% compared to existing PST panels.
Expected Benefits
CO₂ Reduction – 10.4 kg/ea (23%) lower CO₂ per sleeper.
Resource Saving – Full replacement of natural fine aggregates.
Cost Saving – 1-3% reduction in concrete manufacturing cost.
Higher Performance – Improved strength and durability vs. conventional sleepers.
Certifications
Korea, US, India and EU Patents Registrations
New Excellent Technology (NET) Certification from Korea National Railway (KR)
Korean Railway Standard Certification
TRL 9
Pilot Implementation : Jungang Line Punggi–Huibangsa section test installation (’10.10)
Domestic commercialization: ~22 km (~29,000 sleepers) as of 2025.12
Contact
Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI)
Global Business Department
Dr. Taehoon Koh
E-mail: thkoh@krri.re.kr