Mechanics of Ballast Compaction. Volume I: Technical Review of Ballast Compaction and Related Topics

摘要

The purpose of the research program on the mechanics of ballast compaction is to determine the influence of mechanical compaction on the ballast physical state and its consequence on the performance of the track structure. This report, which is one of a series for this project, presents the results of an extensive literature review on ballast compaction and related topics. The topics covered are the track system components, aggregate material characterization, mechanics of granular materials, compaction of granular materials, present practice of ballast related track construction and maintenance, relationship of ballast compaction to track performance, assessment of effects of compactor parameters, and economics of track maintenance.