Soraya Diego
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Soraya Diego Cavia holds a PhD in Civil Engineering Models from the University of Cantabria (2015), with a dissertation titled Feasibility Study on the Reuse of Short Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide for Injection Molding of Railway Fastening Plates for the Spanish High-Speed Rail (AVE), awarded Summa Cum Laude. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency from the Instituto Madrileño de Formación (2008), an Industrial Engineering degree with a specialization in Electro-Energetics from the University of Cantabria (2006), and a Technical Industrial Engineering degree with a specialization in Industrial Chemistry from the same university (2002).
Since May 2007, she has worked at LADICIM as Head of the Railway Division, where she manages and coordinates technology transfer projects with companies. Her work focuses on the mechanical and microstructural characterization of railway superstructure components and composite materials, participating in nationally and internationally significant research projects. She is also actively involved in teaching and training undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as in specialized seminars.
Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous research projects, including the feasibility study on the reuse of reinforced polyamide for railway fastening plates, the optimization of rail fastenings, the development of eco-friendly materials based on recycled tires (LIFE project), and innovation projects focused on dampers for the railway and naval sectors. She has also taken part in European initiatives related to the application of artificial intelligence to mitigate the effects of climate change in industry and transport.
Her research activity is further complemented by attendance at international conferences and trade fairs in the railway sector, participation in standardization committees as a member of AENOR and expert in CEN working groups, as well as the registration of two patents in the railway field.
Research Lines
- Mechanical and microstructural characterization of railway superstructure components.
- Development and evaluation of composite materials and biomaterials for structural applications.
- Study of the recyclability of railway components.
- Design and experimental validation of new railway fastening systems.
- Application of artificial intelligence in industrial and transportation environments.
Featured Publications
- ‘Mechanical Performance of Recycled Reinforced Polyamide from Rejected Railway Fastenings Flanged Plates.’ Diego, S., Casado, J., Carrascal, I., Sainz-Aja, J., Ferreño, D.. Polymers, 2022, 14(22), 4940.
- ‘Experimental validation of a new antivibration elastomeric material fabricated from end-of-life tires for slab track systems with embedded rail.’ Gómez, J., Casado, J.A., Carrascal, I.A., Diego, S., Ferreño, D., Mondragón, C.. Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 2019, 49(3).
- ‘Numerical and experimental characterization of the mechanical behavior of a new recycled elastomer for vibration isolation in railway applications.’ Diego, S., Casado, J.A., Carrascal, I., Cardona, J., Arcos, R.. Construction and Building Materials, 2017, 134, pp. 18–31.
- ‘Dynamic behaviour of high-speed rail fastenings in the presence of desert sand.’ Carrascal, I.A., Casado, J.A., Diego, S., Polanco, J.A.. Construction and Building Materials, 2016, 117, pp. 220–228.
- ‘Experimental validation of an adjustable railway fastening for slab track.’ Diego, S., Casado, J.A., Carrascal, I., Polanco, J.A., Gutiérrez-Solana, F.. Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 2010, 38(5).
