Improved Performance of Rail Track Substructure Using Synthetic Inclusions: Experimental and Numerical Investigations

Ngo, NT; Indraratna, B

Improved Performance of Rail Track Substructure Using Synthetic Inclusions: Experimental and Numerical Investigations

Ngo, NT Indraratna, B

Permalink

Publisher:: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering, 2016, 2, (3), pp. 24
Issue Date:: 2016-09-01

Closed Access

	Filename	Description	Size
	FINAL-Improved Performance of Rail Track Substructure Using Artificial Inclusions.pdf	Accepted version	1.51 MB	Adobe PDF	View/Open

Copyright Clearance Process

Recently Added
In Progress
Closed Access

This item is closed access and not available.

Full metadata record

Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Ngo, NT
dc.contributor.author	Indraratna, B https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9057-1514
dc.date.accessioned	2022-07-28T00:29:51Z
dc.date.available	2022-07-28T00:29:51Z
dc.date.issued	2016-09-01
dc.identifier.citation	International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering, 2016, 2, (3), pp. 24
dc.identifier.issn	2199-9260
dc.identifier.issn	2199-9279
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/159244
dc.description.abstract	Ballasted rail tracks offer the most important means of transporting bulk freight and passengers in terms of the sheer tonnage of traffic. Ballast is a prominent component of conventional rail infrastructure because it controls the stability and performance of track. Repetitive train loads degrade ballast grains due to breakage and the progressive accumulation of external fines or mud-pumping from the softer subgrade. They decrease the shear strength and drainage capacity of track embankments, while adversely affecting its safety and efficiency as speed restrictions are imposed and track maintenance becomes more frequent. Although synthetic inclusions such as geogrids and rubber mats placed between the ballast and subballast definitely improve track performance, further study is needed before incorporating them into existing design routines catering for future high speed trains and heavier haul trains. This paper presents the very latest knowledge of rail track geomechanics, including several important concepts and topics related to laboratory testing and discrete element modelling approaches to study the load and deformation of ballast improved by rubber mats and synthetic geogrids. This paper focuses on studies carried out at the University of Wollongong on track infrastructure, and includes examples whereby innovation progresses from theory to practice. Discrete element modelling is also used to carry out a micromechanical analysis of the ballast and geogrid interface to provide further insight into ballast subjected to shearing.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Springer Science and Business Media LLC
dc.relation	http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/LP0883244
dc.relation.ispartof	International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1007/s40891-016-0065-3
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	0905 Civil Engineering
dc.title	Improved Performance of Rail Track Substructure Using Synthetic Inclusions: Experimental and Numerical Investigations
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	2
utslib.for	0905 Civil Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-07-28T00:29:49Z
pubs.issue	3
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	2
utslib.citation.issue	3

Abstract:

Ballasted rail tracks offer the most important means of transporting bulk freight and passengers in terms of the sheer tonnage of traffic. Ballast is a prominent component of conventional rail infrastructure because it controls the stability and performance of track. Repetitive train loads degrade ballast grains due to breakage and the progressive accumulation of external fines or mud-pumping from the softer subgrade. They decrease the shear strength and drainage capacity of track embankments, while adversely affecting its safety and efficiency as speed restrictions are imposed and track maintenance becomes more frequent. Although synthetic inclusions such as geogrids and rubber mats placed between the ballast and subballast definitely improve track performance, further study is needed before incorporating them into existing design routines catering for future high speed trains and heavier haul trains. This paper presents the very latest knowledge of rail track geomechanics, including several important concepts and topics related to laboratory testing and discrete element modelling approaches to study the load and deformation of ballast improved by rubber mats and synthetic geogrids. This paper focuses on studies carried out at the University of Wollongong on track infrastructure, and includes examples whereby innovation progresses from theory to practice. Discrete element modelling is also used to carry out a micromechanical analysis of the ballast and geogrid interface to provide further insight into ballast subjected to shearing.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/159244