Degradation Mechanisms of Concrete Due to Water Flow in Cracks of Prestressed Railroad Sleepers under Cyclic Loading
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 34, Issue 4
Abstract
Visual inspection and field experience from concrete railroad sleepers (crossties) provide evidence that cyclic loading of train axles accelerates their degradation in areas of high precipitation. Because prestressing forces close flexural cracks after every load application, this repetitive motion generates water flow within cracks. In this study, multiple mechanisms are systematically investigated through laboratory experimentation to understand the deterioration of concrete in cracked prestressed beams exposed to moisture and under cyclic loading. Results identified abrasion as the leading degradation mechanism. High hydraulic pressures, cavitation, and leaching damage are also investigated but seem less likely to govern this problem.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research effort is funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the USDOT. This work was also supported by the National University Rail Center, a US Department of Transportation Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Tier 1 University Transportation Center. The material in this paper represents the position of the authors and not necessarily that of the sponsors. The authors are grateful for the comments of Prof. Willian Gamble and his contribution to the derivation of an empirical equation for the stress-strain behavior of prestressing tendons. The authors also would like to acknowledge the following industry partners: Union Pacific Railroad; BNSF Railway; National Railway Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); Progress Rail Services, Inc.; Gutanna Technologies; Hanson Professional Services, Inc.; and CXT Concrete Ties, Inc., an LB Foster Company. J. Riley Edwards was supported in part by grants to the University of Illinois Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) from CN and Hanson Professional Services, Inc.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 34 • Issue 4 • April 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 19, 2020
Accepted: Aug 13, 2021
Published online: Jan 22, 2022
Published in print: Apr 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Jun 22, 2022
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