Understanding Ballast Behavior

This article presents a look at ballast behavior for railways as well as a description of devices used to deliver the ballast. Using discrete element modeling (DEM), researchers investigated the effects of the ballast aggregate size, angularity, shape, disturbance, as well as tie texturing on the stability of the track laid atop the ballast. Researchers found that rounded stones had better resistance to permanent deformation due to their small voids as compared to highly angular stones. Fouled ballast was also analyzed using DEM. A number of companies that distribute ballast are also discussed. The article describes the machinery used for this distribution as well as the company’s economic considerations. Some such devices include shoulder plows, tamping machines, center X-plows, and ballast brooms.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1763403
• Authors:
  • Wanek-Libman, Mischa
• Publication Date: 2007-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 37-38, 40-44, 46
• Serial:
  • Railway Track and Structures
  • Volume: 103
  • Issue Number: 8
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-9016

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Ballast crib; Benefit cost analysis; Construction and maintenance; Railroad tracks; Simulation
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01077164
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 30 2007 6:28PM