Advancement in track technology: composite foundations for increased speed and axle loads

The increasing demand for fast heavy haul services with greater axle loads, as well as high speed commuter trains, poses a serious challenge for the stability of tracks on the problematic ground. The use of artificial inclusions such as polymeric geosynthetics for enhanced soil-structure interaction and rubber mats made from recycled rubber tyres to absorb the strain energy and reduce ballast breakage and track damage is described in this paper as a cost-effective option. In this study, a series of large-scale laboratory tests took place to determine how well these geogrids could attenuate the impact, cyclic stress, and corresponding mitigation of ballast degradation. Comprehensive field trials took place on two full-scale rail tracks in the towns of Bulli and Singleton in New South Wales. These trials facilitated the evaluation of different types of geogrids, geo-composites and rubber mats installed in fully instrumented track sections, as well as the possible reuse of spent ballast. This paper focuses mainly on research projects at the University of Wollongong to enhance track performance by highlighting some examples of innovation from theory to practice; including case studies.

Media Info

  • Pagination: 10p. ; PDF
  • Monograph Title: Rail: smart, automated, sustainable: CORE 2018: conference on railway excellence, 30 April-2 May 2018, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01699284
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • Files: ATRI
  • Created Date: Mar 22 2019 2:50PM