Performance of geosynthetic-reinforced alternative sub-ballast material in a railway track. Issue 5 (October 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernandes, G.; Palmeira, E. M.; Gomes, R. C.
• Is Part Of: Geosynthetics international. Volume 15:Issue 5(2008)
• Page Start: 311
• Page End: 321
• Publication Date: 2008-10
• Subjects: Geosynthetics -- Reinforcement -- Railway track -- Alternative sub-ballast material; Geosynthetics -- Periodicals; Geosynthetics; Periodicals; 624.1892
• DOI: 10.1680/gein.2008.15.5.311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-6349

Abstract

Abstract : Geosynthetics have been used as reinforcement in various applications in geotechnical engineering. This paper presents a study on the use of geosynthetic reinforcement to reduce the consumption of good-quality sub-ballast material in a railway track in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Six test sections on the railway were instrumented and monitored for a period of 2 years. Nonwoven geotextile and a geogrid were used as reinforcement in different positions in the sub-ballast. The results obtained showed that the presence of geosynthetic reinforcement reduced the strains mobilised in the sub-ballast, reduced the breakage of ballast element, and allowed the use of a cheaper alternative material in the sub-ballast construction. The results showed the potential of the use of alternative sub-ballast material reinforced with geosynthetic to reduce the costs of construction and maintenance of railway tracks.