Advanced Rail Geotechnology - Ballasted Track

Ballast is essential for transmitting and distributing train wheel loads to the underlying track substructure. It is crucial for load-bearing capacity, safe train speed, noise, vibration, and passenger comfort. Attrition and breakage of ballast occur under heavy and continual cyclic loading, causing track deterioration and rail misalignment. This book presents detailed information on the strength, deformation, and degradation aspects of fresh and recycled ballast under monotonic, cyclic, and impact loading using innovative geotechnical testing devices. A constitutive model for ballast incorporating particle breakage is presented, and revised ballast gradation is described to provide greater track resiliency and extended longevity. Geosynthetics are also discussed for substructure improvement. This book is beneficial for final-year civil engineering students, postgraduate teaching, and learning, and is an ideal supplement for practising railway engineers and researchers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 444 pages
Publication date: 14 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ballast plays a crucial role in transmitting and distributing the train wheel loads to the underlying track substructure. The load-bearing capacity, safe train speed, and levels of noise and vibration, as well as passenger comfort, depend on the behavior of ballast through particle interlocking and the corresponding deformation of this granular assembly. Attrition and breakage of ballast occur progressively under heavy and continual cyclic loading, causing track deterioration and rail misalignment affecting safety, while exacerbating the intensity of track maintenance. In the absence of realistic computational models, the track substructure is traditionally designed using mostly empirical approaches.

In this book, the authors present detailed information on the strength, deformation, and degradation aspects of fresh and recycled ballast under monotonic, cyclic, and impact loading using innovative geotechnical testing devices. A constitutive model for ballast incorporating particle breakage is presented, representing a more realistic stress-strain response. The mathematical formulations and numerical models are validated using controlled experimental simulations and fully instrumented field trials. Revised ballast gradation is described to provide greater track resiliency and extended longevity. The book also provides a detailed description of geosynthetics for substructure improvement considering track deterioration caused by particle degradation, fouling, and impeded drainage. New to this second edition are extensive discussions on subgrade soil stabilisation, causes and mechanisms of soil fluidisation (mud pumping) under cyclic loading, and preventive and remedial measures to alleviate undue instability of ballast tracks.

This book should prove most beneficial to railway engineers, researchers, and students interested in the design, construction, and maintenance of railway tracks. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of ballast and the use of geosynthetics to improve track stability and durability.

Weight: 1020g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032244914
Edition number: 2 ed