Evaluation on full-scale testbed performance of cement asphalt mortar for ballasted track stabilization

초록

This study focuses on the full-scale testbed performance of two types of ballasted railway track systems, with and without cement asphalt mortar (CAM) stabilizing material. This method develops a strong membrane between the fouled ballast particles which provides bonding and strengthening effects to the entire ballast layer, thus reinforcing the structural regularity of the track-bed. The feasibility of the proposed solution (CAM) is evaluated through static and dynamic wheel load application which simulate the actual operation of running trains. To compare the effectiveness of the new solution from the conventional maintenance strategy, the roadbed pressure, plastic/elastic deformation, load distribution, and track stiffness analysis are measured. From the full-scale testbed results, the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) is conducted to verify the actual cost-effectiveness. In general, it was confirmed that the CAM stabilizing solution improves the performance of ballasted track system at both static and dynamic loading stages. The testbed results also suggest that a significant reduction in elastic and plastic settlement in stabilized track. The LCCA test results reveal a good potential for the sustainable development of ballasted track system stabilized by CAM. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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