A cost-effective alternative to conventional concrete track slab design and construction
As the spending on rail infrastructure in Australia increases, the need for innovative solutions for track design and construction intensifies. Traditionally, track has been laid on ballast material that provides a relatively stiff bearing surface which transfers train loads to the ground below. As train loads get larger, and speeds increase, maintaining the durability of ballast material becomes more challenging. At high speeds, or with heavy loads, ballast can be pulverised, causing track levels to shift, potentially jeopardising ride quality and safety. Concrete track slabs have recently been used as an alternative to attempt to overcome these issues, particularly for high speed rail. Traditional concrete track slabs have higher construction costs than ballasted systems, making the option less attractive. The use of macro synthetic fibre reinforcement allows a significant reduction in the initial cost of using concrete track slabs, by increasing construction speeds, as there is no need to cut, place and tie conventional steel reinforcement. This paper aims to initiate discussion between track slab designers, owners and operators on the use of macro synthetic fibres in track slab construction and includes some international case studies. The design and construction practices that were used for each of these will be discussed.
- Record URL:
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Authors:
- Clarke T
- Conference:
- Publication Date: 2016
Media Info
- Pagination: 8p. ; PDF
- Monograph Title: AusRAIL PLUS 2016, Rail - moving the economy forward, 21-23 November 2016, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Case studies; Construction management; Design; Railroad rails
- ATRI Terms: Case study; Construction method; Design; Railway track
- Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01636966
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: ARRB
- Files: ATRI
- Created Date: May 30 2017 3:33PM