Rehabilitation of rail track facing cross-level issues using polymeric geocell

Abstract

One of the issues with the existing rail network is the cross-level issue, where the two parallel tracks have unwanted elevation differences, risking train derailment. The speed of trains is typically reduced in those identified areas but still, the geometric irregularity causes train body vibrations reduces the riding comfort. Once that elevation difference exceeds a design limit operation ceases for safety. Conventional solutions to this are jacking up the track by re-filling material inside and injecting expandable foam. None of those temporary techniques have a significant contribution to eliminating the root cause; rather invite additional risks with unpredictable differential stiffness. An enduring solution is rebuilding the embankment with the use of strong geocell reinforcement. The threedimensional confinement along with the high tensile strength of reinforcing polymeric geocell introduces a stiffer layer. Through this paper, a design approach utilizing the tensile strength, stiffness, and geometric properties of the geocell has been established to provide a dependable solution. Three projects have been discussed where a high-strength novel polymeric alloy geocell with the established design method was successfully used. The effective theoretical reduction of bearing pressure was from 38% to 55%. Observation over a year indicated the effectiveness of the design methodology.