Identifying the key parameters that influence geogrid reinforcement of railway ballast

A series of experiments are described involving the full-scale simulation of geogrid reinforcement for railway ballast, which allowed the key parameters influencing the reduction in vertical settlement (permanent deformation) under repeated loading to be studied. The results demonstrated that grid geometry, stiffness, rib cross-sectional shape and junction strength are all influential. The research data was applied as part of a wide ranging study to improve the effectiveness of ballast reinforcement and understanding of the fundamentals of grid/aggregate interaction.