Rail
Elevate Your Rail Operations
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At Paradox Access, we are dedicated to empowering rail companies with innovative solutions tailored to enhance operational efficiency and infrastructure. Our comprehensive range of services includes advanced earthworks solutions, providing expert grading, excavation, and essential earthmoving tasks that keep your projects on track.
We offer our proprietary soil reinforcement technology, Tough Cell®—a cutting-edge geocell designed to combat erosion and safeguard the integrity of your subgrade. This high-performance solution not only enhances durability but also extends the lifespan of your infrastructure.
With a proven track record in the rail industry, Paradox Access is committed to helping you optimize your operations. Whether you need help with earthworks, geosynthetics, or engineering, Paradox Access provides solutions you need to succeed.
Rail
Elevate Your Rail Operations
Solutions
- EARTHWORKS – services include excavation, grading, aggregate hauling, and more
- TOUGH CELL® – cellular confinement system or geocell for soil stabilization and reinforcement
- STRATUM LOGICS – engineering partner focused on creating custom solutions
Resources
Project Profile
Churchill Rail Line Repair | 2018
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Contracted by the project owner, Arctic Gateway, Paradox was chosen as part of the team tasked with reconstructing the Hudson Bay Rail Line to reconnect the town and its neighbouring communities. Since 1929, this railway has been the only mode of transportation to Churchill.
In the spring of 2017, severe flooding damaged multiple sections of the rail line where it crossed streams, highlighting the urgent need for repairs and a long-term solution capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
Paradox Access rose to the occasion by implementing repairs in under 60 days using Tough Cell® NPA geocell technology. The project kicked off in September 2018 and was completed by November 2018.
Paradox’s NPA geocells presented the perfect option for the challenging landscape where the Churchill rail line traversed. Challenges included building on a soft subgrade, permafrost, and erosion. Tough Cell® provided a unique solution to environmental challenges that would protect against natural ecosystem degradation. Additionally, this geocell remediation was cost-efficient, costing the client a fraction of the price estimated by other contractors- 20-25%.
The success of this project restored access within two months for the communities, restoring normalcy to the residents affected. Furthermore, this project demonstrates the viability of Tough Cell® as an infrastructure solution that is implementable in permafrost regions.
2018| This is state-of-the-art technology has never really been tried before in Canada. It’s been utilized worldwide, but not in Canada.”- interview with CBC News
Challenge
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Being a port city on the Hudson Bay 156 miles from the nearest town, Churchill is a remote community. This presented a significant accessibility challenge for the Paradox crew in accessing the rail line and transporting materials for reconstruction.
As the railway line was the sole transportation method, a linear construction schedule had to be followed. This meant that the areas of the line that needed repair had to be completed in sequence for the train to access the subsequently damaged areas- the process followed an end-to-end construction schedule.
Other challenges faced during the job were primarily because of its geographic location. Its northern latitude posed environmental problems regarding the instability of the ground due to permafrost. The same flood that washed away the railway line also impacted the permafrost layer beneath, calling for additional stability reinforcement to provide enough structural strength to withstand railway traffic. The Paradox team sought to mitigate risks of further flood damage in the future, so erosion control was also essential.
Solution
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The Paradox team decided to use Tough Cell® Technology for the unique circumstances of the Hudson Bay Rail Line. These high-strength novel polymeric alloy (NPA) geocells offer a sustainable, long-term solution for permafrost cycles and unpredictable weather conditions and could act as a degradation safeguard.
NPA geocell technology is an innovative product for rails that can undergo cycles of extensive load due to its better distribution of weight capabilities. The structural layers of geocells reduce the stress transferred to soft subgrades by improving the reinforcement of the sub-ballast. In this way, geocell technology guards against the degradation of soft subgrades and improves structural stability, making it ideal for infrastructure development in permafrost regions.
Our implementation of Tough Cell® Technology allowed for the use of locally sourced aggregates. Rather than transport heavy materials by train, the geocell design could be reinforced by utilizing locally available infills, simultaneously reducing environmental impact and cutting costs. Its long-term durability and low maintenance requirements also make it a cost-effective solution.
Our team was able to follow a linear construction schedule because Tough Cell® Technology can be folded for transport. This allowed the Paradox team to easily transport and install it, saving transport costs and reducing construction time.
Paradox Difference
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The Paradox team completed the repair during the short construction season in northern Manitoba. The team was appropriately equipped and prepared to face the unpredictable and harsh weather of the northern climate. Paradox’s exceptional teamwork and seamless project management enabled the efficient implementation of Tough Cell® Technology despite the environmental and situational challenges.
The slow speed of the train under load exacerbated the transport limitations. Our team needed to pre-plan accordingly to ensure efficient labour and materials were available onsite. Beyond transport limitations, the project’s remoteness also caused communication issues. Despite this, we used our team’s innovation to ensure smooth communication, which ultimately resulted in the project’s success. Our team’s preparedness, teamwork, and expertise overcame the significant challenges of the project.