Experimental Evaluation on Geotextiles as separator element
submitted to cyclic loads.
Mud Pumping; Separation; Non woven Geotextile; Rail
Pavement
The current Brazilian transportation system needs to be improved; among the needed
expansions are those regarding rail networks, thus allowing economic development. In
such a context, using geosynthetics can help enhance rail network expansion.
Geosynthetics is one option that makes the development of rail pavement viable. As
separating material, geosynthetics are subjected to cyclic loads that, in association with
water and small particles, can promote the mud pumping during railroad operations.
The present study has focused on an experimental evaluation of the performance of
several rail pavement configurations, with a particular emphasis on the mud pumping
associated with railroad operations. Preliminary results demonstrated that
geosynthetics-driven pavement improvements are related to the pumping of fines and
pavement deformation reduction.