Influence of Stabilization Technologies on Deformation Parameters of a Railway Track Ballast Prism

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of two methods for stabilizing railway ballast: layer-by-layer ballast compaction technology and geogrid reinforcement of the ballast layer. Methods: The research was conducted using a ballast prism model, on which dynamic tests were performed in order to simulate the impact of a passing train. During the course of the experiments, the settlement of the ballast prism was measured applying each of the technologies under study. The control measurements without any reinforcement were performed as well. Results: The experiment results demonstrate the positive influence of the technologies under study on the deformation parameters of the ballast prism and allow for evaluating their effectiveness in reducing settlement and improving the overall stability of the railway track. The application of geogrids and layer-by-layer compaction has been shown to result in a significant reduction in vertical deformations compared to the ballast without reinforcement. Practical significance: The conclusions that are derived from this study will be of great importance when it comes to the optimization of design solutions in the construction and reconstruction of railway tracks. Furthermore, they can contribute to the improvement of their reliability and durability.