Author
Abstract
The work presented in this paper focuses on new trends in the construction of
rail track using asphalt ballast layer. Model tests were performed with ballast layer
150mm or 200mm. These thicknesses are the common range used in railway
construction. Overlaying a sandy layer 400mm in thickness. This condition
represents a case where rail networks pass through sandy zones.
Two series of model tests were performed; the first on untreated ballast and the
second where the ballast layer was incorporated with inter asphalt layers.
A model footing 200mm wide and 400mm long was placed on the surface of the
ballast layer and loaded monotonically or repeatedly up to failure. These
dimensions were selected representing the plain strain condition which exists in
real rail networks. The layers treated with asphalt demonstrated substantial
improvement in the load carrying capacity over the untreated layers.
Keywords
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