Print Email Facebook Twitter Railway ballast performance Title Railway ballast performance: Recent advances in the understanding of geometry, distribution and degradation Author Shi, Can (Shenzhen University) Fan, Zheng (Beijing Jiaotong University) Connolly, David P. (University of Leeds) Jing, Guoqing (Beijing Jiaotong University) Markine, V.L. (TU Delft Railway Engineering) Guo, Y. (TU Delft Railway Engineering) Date 2023 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. Subject Ballast fouling indexBallast mechanical behaviourBallast particle size distributionBulk densityParent rockRailroad dynamic performanceRailway ballastRailway track degradation To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:51d758c4-6f5a-498d-a12c-0d1bb9cb4491 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2023.101042 ISSN 2214-3912 Source Transportation Geotechnics, 41 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type review Rights © 2023 Can Shi, Zheng Fan, David P. Connolly, Guoqing Jing, V.L. Markine, Y. Guo Files PDF 1_s2.0_S2214391223001150_main.pdf 23.47 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:51d758c4-6f5a-498d-a12c-0d1bb9cb4491/datastream/OBJ/view