Shi, C., Fan, Z., Connolly, D.P. orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704 et al. (3 more authors) (2023) Railway ballast performance: Recent advances in the understanding of geometry, distribution and degradation. Transportation Geotechnics, 41. 101042. ISSN 2214-3912
Abstract
Railway ballast performance is dictated by a complex mix of mechanical properties. These effect its performance at the particle level for example in terms of particle degradation, but also at the track system level in terms of settlement and stability. Therefore this paper seeks to develop new understandings of ballast behaviour and identify opportunities for future research directions. First, ballast particle size and size distribution curves are discussed, considering opportunities to improve breakage, settlement and drainage characteristics. Next, particle geometry is discussed, with a focus on form, angularity and surface texture. This is followed by a discussion on the degradation mechanisms of ballast particles and the effect of fouling on permeability. Next, techniques to assess and improve ballast bulk density are discussed, such as ground penetration radar and dynamic track stabilisation. Testing methods for studying ballast are also reviewed, first considering both smaller-scale tests such as direct shear tests and the Los Angeles abrasion test. Then larger-scale laboratory testing is discussed, including large-diameter dynamic triaxial testing and the use of full-scale laboratory tracks. Finally, conclusions are drawn and suggestions for future research directions are given.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). |
Keywords: | Railway ballast; Ballast mechanical behaviour; Ballast particle size distribution; Railway track degradation; Ballast fouling index; Railroad dynamic performance; Parent rock; Bulk density |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Leeds) > School of Civil Engineering (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 24 Jul 2023 10:42 |
Last Modified: | 24 Jul 2023 10:42 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.trgeo.2023.101042 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:201804 |