A geomechanics classification for the rating of railroad subgrade performance

Abstract

The type of subgrade of a railroad foundation is vital to the overall performance of the track structure. With the train speed and tonnage increase, as well as environmental changes, the evaluation and influence of subgrade are even more paramount in the railroad track structure performance. A geomechanics classification for subgrade is proposed coupling the stiffness (resilient modulus) and permanent deformation behaviour evaluated by means of repeated triaxial loading tests. This classification covers from fine- to coarse-grained soils, grouped by UIC and ASTM. For this achievement, we first summarize the main models for estimating resilient modulus and permanent deformation, including the evaluation of their robustness and their sensitivity to mechanical and environmental parameters. This is followed by the procedure required to arrive at the geomechanical classification and rating, as well as a discussion of the influence of environmental factors. This work is the first attempt to obtain a new geomechanical classification that can be a useful tool in the evaluation and modelling of the foundation of railway structures.

Keywords

Subgrade / Resilient modulus / Permanent deformation / Geomechanical classification

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Funding

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(ISISE-UIDB/04029/2020)

Horizon 2020 Framework Programme(IN2TRACK2- 826255-H2020-S2RJU-2018)