Evaluation of Falling Weight Deflectometer and Automatic Ballast Sampling Techniques for Track Substructure Investigation

The utility and effectiveness of a falling weight deflectometer (FWD) was investigated in this article to characterize ballast, sub-ballast and subgrades in a heavy-axle load (HAL) environment. The results were verified using Automatic Ballast Sampling (ABS), which is a subsurface sampling technology. The article discusses how the FWD has good potential in characterizing track substructure (ballast, subballast and subgrade) layer-stiffness characteristics by measuring shear wave speed and deflection signatures under impact loading. Using this technique, lower modulus soil areas can be identified and problem areas scheduled for maintenance or remediation before they become emergencies. The FWD testing on the High Tonnage Loop (HTL) shows that the technique is suitable for in situ testing of track-bed stiffness and ABS has provided good data that can be logged and photographed to assist in FWD interpretations.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1763403
• Authors:
  • Basye, Colin
  • Li, Dingqing
• Publication Date: 2014-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 15-17
• Serial:
  • Railway Track and Structures
  • Volume: 110
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-9016

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Deflection; Falling weight deflectometers; Impact loads; Railroad tracks; Stiffness; Subgrade materials
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Railroads; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01529912
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 1 2014 9:20AM