This study investigates the benefits of artificial inclusions placed underneath the ballast layer. A series of large-scale cyclic triaxial tests were carried out on ballast with and without these inclusions under 25-tonne and 35-tonne axle loads and frequencies of f = 15 Hz and 25 Hz, using a Process Simulation Prismoidal Triaxial Apparatus. The laboratory results show that a geogrid installed between the ballast and capping layer decreases both deformation and degradation of the aggregates, which can be attributed to enhanced internal confinement and restricted particle movement. Laboratory tests also showed that placing a rubber mat underneath the ballast layer significantly reduced ballast breakage. A numerical model using the discrete element method (DEM) was developed and validated against the experimental observations. The DEM model was utilized to explore the contact forces that developed across the granular assemblies, and to study the interaction between aggregates and the synthetic inclusions from a particle-level perspective.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Influence of synthetic inclusions on the degradation and deformation of ballast under heavy-haul cyclic loading


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2022-07-04


    Size :

    23 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    Unknown





    An Experimental Study on Railway Ballast Degradation Under Cyclic Loading

    Talebiahooie, Elahe / Thiery, Florian / Mattsson, Hans et al. | Springer Verlag | 2022


    Ballast and Ballastbed of Heavy Haul Track

    Zeng, S. / Zhang, W. | British Library Conference Proceedings


    Study Behavior of Railway Ballast under Cyclic Loading

    Zhou, Tao Yong ;Hu, Bin ;Hua, Bin | Trans Tech Publications | 2014


    Mechanical behavior of ballast under monotonic and cyclic loading

    Karraz, K. / Bonnet, G. / Dupla, J.C. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007