Kentrack 4.0: A railway trackbed structural design program

Jerry G. Rose, Shushu Liu, Reginald R. Souleyrette

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

13 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The KENTRACK program is a finite element based railway trackbed structural design program that can be utilized to analyze trackbeds having various combinations of all-granular and asphalt-bound layered support. It is applicable for calculating compressive stresses at the top of subgrade, indicative of potential long-term trackbed settlement failure. Furthermore, for trackbeds containing an asphalt layer, it is applicable for calculating tensile strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer, indicative of potential fatigue cracking. The program was recently expanded to include both English and international units. A procedure has been incorporated to provide a path to save results in a text formation in post-Windows XP operating systems. More importantly, properties of performance graded (PG) asphalt binders and the Witczak E* predictive model have been incorporated in the 4.0 Version of the program. Component layers of typical trackbed support systems are analyzed while evaluating the significance of layer thicknesses and material properties on design and predicted performance. The effect of various material parameters and loading magnitudes on trackbed design and evaluation, as determined and predicted by the computer program, are presented. Variances in subgrade modulus and axle loads and the incorporation of a layer of asphalt within the track structure have significant effects on subgrade vertical compressive stresses and predicted trackbed service lives. The parameter assessments are presented and evaluated using sensitivity analysis.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2014 Joint Rail Conference, JRC 2014
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 Joint Rail Conference, JRC 2014 - Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Duration: Apr 2 2014Apr 4 2014

Publication series

Name2014 Joint Rail Conference, JRC 2014

Conference

Conference2014 Joint Rail Conference, JRC 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityColorado Springs, CO
Period4/2/144/4/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transportation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Kentrack 4.0: A railway trackbed structural design program'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this