PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF EARTH MATERIALS

A discussion of the physical properties of earth materials as they are related to track structure and roadbeds is presented. A general definition and classification of soils is discussed. Roadbed soils are defined and classified. The characteristics of sands, silts, and clays are presented. Foundation soils are discussed. They are considered as undisturbed soils that are required to support the loads superimposed upon them. Soils below original ground, under fills, and in cuts more than about 3 ft. below the ballast may be considered as foundation soils. Exploration and tests are discussed. The purpose of exploration is to determine the nature and extent of the various soil deposits and ground water conditions, and to obtain the required samples for testing. The two general steps for all soil investigations are consideration of the general geological features of the site, and exploratory borings to produce more specific information as to the extent of soil variations and moisture contents. Basic tests performed on samples are grain size analyses on granular samples, liquid-limit and plastic-limit. These are indicative of the compressibility of the soil. Field moisture contents should be determined. Penetration tests demonstrate the extent and type of required explorations. These exploratory procedures usually provide information and samples sufficient for most projects.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Publication Date: 1952

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 712-717
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 53
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Properties of materials; Soil tests; Soil types; Soils; Subgrade (Pavements)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Soil classification; Soil properties
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Materials; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052431
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1974 12:00AM