Analysis of Deformation and Degradation of Fouled Ballast: Experimental Testing and DEM Modeling
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 20, Issue 9
Abstract
The deformation and degradation of fouled ballast have been examined by large-scale triaxial tests and discrete element modeling (DEM) to understand how clay fouling changes the shear strength and micromechanical aspects of ballast. Particle shape analysis using 3D aggregate imaging and a laser scanner is introduced to construct more realistic polyhedral discrete elements that will represent natural ballast particles. Shear stress-strain and volumetric changes of fresh and clay-fouled ballast are analyzed. Micromechanical analysis of the fouled ballast is carried out and the effects of fines are quantified by considering the changes of ballast breakage, particle connectivity number Cn, and the associated distribution of contact forces that could not be measured experimentally. These findings enable a more insightful understanding of the load-deformation of fouled ballast from a micromechanical perspective.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Advanced Technologies in Rail Track Infrastructure (ARC, ITTC-Rail, IC170100006). The authors are grateful to Prof. Glenn McDowell who made valuable comments on DEM modeling during previous ARC-funded projects.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 20 • Issue 9 • September 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 4, 2019
Accepted: Apr 1, 2020
Published online: Jun 17, 2020
Published in print: Sep 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Nov 17, 2020
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