Engineering protection of the subgrade from sand drifts using geomaterials, as exemplified by the Bukhara-Miskin railway line

In arid regions of southwestern Uzbekistan, protecting the railway subgrade from wind-blown sand is a priority engineering task. This paper presents a systems approach to selecting and applying geomaterials for the Bukhara–Misken railway: climatic-geotechnical zoning, assessment of sand-drift intensity, a decision matrix based on wind loading, and a techno-economic evaluation. The proposed measures (geogrids, geotextiles, geomats, aerodynamic barriers, and biopolymer stabilizers) enhance subgrade stability, reduce maintenance costs, and extend maintenance intervals. The approach is transferable to transport infrastructure in desert zones of Central Asia.