Improved Performance of Ballasted Rail Track Using Geosynthetics and Rubber Shockmat
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 8
Abstract
Large repetitive wheel loads from heavy haul and passenger trains can cause significant track deformation that leads to poor track geometry and safety issues. The inclusion of geosynthetics and rubber mats (i.e., shockmat) in critical sections in the track for reducing these adverse effects was further examined through an extensive field trial in the town of Singleton, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Four types of geosynthetics and a shockmat were installed below the ballast layer in selected sections of track constructed on three different subgrades (soft alluvial clay, hard rock, and concrete bridge), and the performance of the instrumented track was monitored for five years under in-service conditions including tamping operations. The measured stress-deformation response indicates that the geosynthetics effectively control the long-term and transient strains in the ballast layer, with the obvious benefit of reducing maintenance costs. The study also showed that the aperture size of geogrids in the range of 1.1 times the mean particle size of the ballast was most effective. The placement of shockmat on a concrete bridge contributed to reduced ballast breakage. The dynamic amplification of stresses induced by moving trains was observed, and it became more pronounced at higher axle loads and train speeds. The dynamic track modulus was evaluated adopting the concept of modified beam on an elastic foundation (BOEF), and this approach was found to be largely influenced by the axle load, train speed, placement of synthetic inclusions, and type of subgrade.
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Acknowledgments
This study was financially supported by the Cooperative Research Centre for Rail Innovation and Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence in Geotechnical Sciences and Engineering. This financial support is gratefully acknowledged. The authors wish to thank Tim Neville (ARTC), David Christie, Sandy Pfeiffer, and Jatinder Singh of Sydney Trains (formerly, RailCorp Sydney) for their comments and suggestions. The on-site assistance provided by Carol Bolam, Tony Miller, and Darren Mosman of Hunt8r Alliance (Newcastle) and David Williams of ARTC (Newcastle) is appreciated. The authors would also like to thank Alan Grant, Cameron Neilson, and Ian Bridge of the University of Wollongong for their technical support throughout the period of this study.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 8 • August 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 24, 2015
Accepted: Dec 31, 2015
Published online: Apr 4, 2016
Published in print: Aug 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Sep 4, 2016
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