NTL Record

Title Mechanics of Ballast Compaction. Volume 2: Field Methods for Ballast Physical State Measurement
Record ID 49599
Personal Name
Creator
Selig, Ernest T.; Yoo, T. S.; Panuccio, C. M.
Source 208p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publication Date 19820301
Language English
Abstract Field methods for measuring ballast physical state are needed to study the effects of ballast compaction. Following a consideration of various alternatives, three methods were selected for development and evaluation. The first was in-place density, which provides a direct measure of compaction. An approach involving water replacement in a membrane-lined hold was devised. A reference density test using a steel container and an impact hammer was also developed. The second was a bearing test using a 5-inch-diameter plate. The load for a specified settlement is proposed as a measure of the in-place ballast stiffness. Plaster of paris was found to be the best method for seating the plate on the ballast. The third method involved the resistance of a tie to lateral force. This is the only one of the three used significantly in track studies in the past. The force required to displace the tie by a specified amount was designated as an indirect measure of ballast physical state around the tie. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the factors influencing this force. Appendices to the report describe the apparatus and procedures for the field tests that evolved after considerable field experience with the methods. This report is Volume 2 of the Final Report on the mechanics of ballast compaction.
Rosap ID dot:11034
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/11034
TRT Terms Aggregates; Analysis; Track ballast; Ballast crib; Compaction; Compactors; Construction; Costs; Density; Field tests; Highway maintenance; Laboratory tests; Maintenance; Maintenance management; Measurement; Performance tests; Plate bearing test; Railroad tracks; Road shoulders; Stiffness tests; Pavement subgrade; Tamping; Track laying; Traffic volume
Classification NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - RAIL TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Planning and Policy;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Vehicle Design
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Contract Number DOT-TSC-1115
Report Number DOT-TSC-FRA-81-3.II; FRA/ORD-81/16.2
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/49000/49500/49599/DOT-TSC-FRA-81-03.2.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository