The effect of reinforcement with geosynthetic materials on the redistribution of vertical stresses and increased stability of the foundation in the rail joint area

Abstract

Rail joints are the most stressed zones of the railway track, where maximum dynamic loads are concentrated, leading to accelerated wear of the ballast layer and subgrade. This paper investigates the effect of geosynthetic reinforcement on the redistribution of vertical stresses in rail joints under an axle load of 25 t. Three scenarios were analyzed: without reinforcement, with geotextile of 400 g/m², and with combined reinforcement using geotextile of 400 g/m² together with a 40×40 mm geogrid.
The results showed that the use of geotextile reduced maximum stresses under the sleeper by 15–20 %, while combined reinforcement with geotextile and geogrid achieved a reduction of 25–30 %. At depths up to 0.8 m, the decrease in vertical stresses reached 8–12 % and 15–20 %, respectively. It was also found that the exponential model adequately describes the attenuation pattern of vertical stresses σ(z) with depth.
The practical significance of the study lies in the substantiation of constructive and technological solutions aimed at increasing the durability of the ballast and subgrade, extending maintenance intervals, and reducing operating costs of railway infrastructure.