Investigation of Track Geometry Degradation under Heavy-axle-loads

This article describes how an investigation into recurring track geometry deterioration and high maintenance demand was conducted on the Norfolk Southern Captina Secondary near Wheeling, W.Va. This is a single track line that carries about 15 million gross tons of heavy-axle-load coal traffic every year. The article shows how parts of the line routinely experience chronic track geometry deterioration that has caused a 10 mph speed restriction to be applied. Results of the investigation suggest that water trapped in ballast pockets causes uneven settlement and deformation. Remediation plans for the site are being developed that involve strengthening of the ballast layer with geosynthetics or grout injection and creating a drainage path to remove the trapped water in the ballast layer. Substructure diagnostics tools used in the investigation include ground penetrating radar to characterize the track substructure layer conditions, cone penetrometer testing to measure the ballast depth and estimate subgrade strength.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1763403
• Authors:
  • Read, David
  • Thompson, Randy
  • Hyslip, Jim
  • Hailey, R Scott
• Publication Date: 2012-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 16-19
• Serial:
  • Railway Track and Structures
  • Volume: 108
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-9016

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Deformation; Deterioration; Drainage; Maintenance of way
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track geometry
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; I60: Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01365355
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 20 2012 12:16PM