Crushed rock ballast bed in the railway lines of Lithuania: analysis of the situation and arising problems

Abstract

Under high cyclic loading of trains the particles of railway ballast disintegrate and worsen in a progressing way. Disintegration of ballast particles is always related to railway track deformations which require expensive continuous maintenance of railway track – the failed ballast is replaced by a new one and is later compacted (tampered). Railway ballast has a significant influence on the quality and strength of railway track. Therefore, it has been subjected to many specific requirements. Some of them are very important both in structural and cost-efficiency point of view, others are less important or already fully implemented (adapted). The scientists analyse and present research results comprising not only the entire railway transport system but also each of its components. Seeking to rationally plan further comprehensive research on the ballast bed and materials used in it, the article overviews and systematically discusses the arising problems associated with construction and aggregates of the ballast bed. The article gives the analysis of the functions of crushed rock ballast bed and requirements set to it. Also, studies the results of worldwide scientific researches and need for their adaption to Lithuanian operating conditions. The article presents the research on the condition of railway ballast layers (1514 km) in the railway lines of Lithuania and discusses the results. Additionally the detailed geological studies were carried out in 84 km in length of ballast bed.