GEOSYNTHETICS IN

RAILWAY TRACKS
 NEED FOR CUSTOMISED GEOSYNTHETICS
FOR RAILWAY TRACK FORMATION
Railway Loadings are different:

 Cyclic Vibrations Effects

 Traction (mainly Electrical)
 Seismic Effects when train is running
 Impact loading
 Maintenance of track should not be infringed by
geo-synthetics
 Rehabilitation methods after completion life cycle
of geo-synthetics
FUNCTIONS OF GEOSYNTHETICS IN TRACK BEDS

 Separation : to maintain the integrity of adjacent soil

types i.e. prevent intermixing.

 Filtration : to prevent leaching of soil particles.

 Drainage : to allow the free passage of water.

 Reinforcement : to provide additional strength

 PROBLEMS IN RAIL TRACKS
DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT
LABORATORY INSTRUMENTATION FOR STUDYING PERFORMANCE
OF GEOSYNTHETIC MATERIAL PLACED BELOW THE RAILWAY TRACK.

Indraratna et all:

Schematic illustration of cyclic triaxial chamber

Vertical deformation of fresh ballast: (a) comparison with previous studies; (b)
that with and without geosynthetics plotted in semilogarithmic scale
Principal strains of fresh ballast layer with and without geosynthetics: (a)
intermediate; (b) minor
Fig. 5. (a) Shear strain; (b) volumetric strain of fresh ballast layer with and without
geosynthetics
SUBGRADE EROSION AND MUD PUMPING
Geotextile used in conjunction with a
sand blanket to prevent sub-grade
erosion.
TERRAM Hydrotex composites allow pore-water
pressure to dissipate whilst preventing fine clay and
silt particles migrating to contaminate the ballast.
In addition, an Hydrotex composite conforms to the
ormation profile to minimise the potential for
ponding.
BALLAST DEGRADATION
 APPLICATIONS

 Steep Slope Construction

 Embankment Slip repairs
 Construction of high banks on soft soil
 Erosion control of slope
 Protection against rock falls
GEOGRID IN RAILWAY TRACKS
BALLAST CLEANING MACHINE
GEOCELL IN RAILWAY TRACKS
Geocells are three-dimensional blankets of interconnected cells
which are placed on slopes, secured in position using pins, and
filled with friable topsoil.
Geocells provide:

 Confinement

 Better load distribution

 Dimensional stability

 Avoids lateral spreading

CASE STUDIES
Geogrid and rubber shock mat
 ADVANTAGES

 Reduce Lateral Strains & Differential Settlements

 Uniform Load Spread
 Increase Load Capacity
 Increase Ballast Stiffness –Lateral restraint
 Reduce the Ballast Volume
 Reduced Track Maintenance
 Increase Speed and Capacity
 Reduce Time for Construction
THANK YOU!!