Use of Synthetic Energy Absorbing Layer (SEAL) in Rail Substructure to Minimize Track Degradation
- Publisher:
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Publication Type:
- Conference Proceeding
- Citation:
- Geotechnical Special Publication, 2023, 2023-March, (GSP 343), pp. 343-352
- Issue Date:
- 2023-01-01
Open Access
Copyright Clearance Process
- Recently Added
- In Progress
- Open Access
This item is open access.
This paper presents novel solutions for increasing the stability and resiliency of track structures by developing a synthetic energy-absorbing layer (SEAL) using recycled rubber products based on large-scale laboratory tests (i.e., drop-hammer impact tests and cubic triaxial tests). This includes (1) installing recycled rubber mats under ballast, and (2) using SEAL composed of a mixture of rubber crumbs, steel furnace slag, and coal wash with changing amounts of rubber: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% (by weight) to replace traditional rockfill as subballast. The test results confirm that the inclusion of a recycled rubber mat underneath the ballast layer actively reduces ballast deformation and the propagation of impact loading within the depth of the substructure. Also, the SEAL mixture with 10% rubber reduces the track lateral dilation, reduces ballast breakage and load distribution, and also maintains an acceptable settlement.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: