Rail

FEATURED PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

Tensar Geogrids and Sub-ballast Stabilisation

Tensar TriAx^® Geogrids stabilise ballast and sub-ballast layers through the principle of “mechanical interlock.” When unbound aggregate is compacted over a geogrid, the coarser particles partially penetrate through the geogrid apertures and lock into position. The load distribution over the underlying subgrade is enhanced, increasing its effective bearing capacity. TriAx Geogrid offers strength at low strain in all directions, preventing large deformations within the aggregate. The geogrid’s ability to confine aggregate particles significantly reduces lateral spreading of granular particles, a major cause of ballast and sub-ballast settlement. This video shows a side-by-side comparison demonstrating how TriAx Geogrid works to combat settlement compared to an unstabilsed track.

PRESTO International Geoweb with Insitu or Ballast Infill

The Presto Geoweb® system is used to improve the structural performance of the rail formation by enabling cellular confinement of insitu soils to establish the subgrade layer . This will see improved subgrade bearing capacity and better formation performance long term. The added benefit is the ability of a Geoweb to remain free draining when installed below the formation, to prevent water layers infiltrating the key structural layers. Geofabric’s key supply partner Presto Geosystems has specific design support established over a number of years with significant projects in rail construction.

TenCate High Strength Geotextiles Subgrade Reinforcement

TenCate geosynthetics allow construction over weak subgrades by uniformly distributing the load and improving bearing capacity and providing reinforcement to weak or low strength subgrades. The use of TenCate High Strength Geotextiles as reinforcement, separation and filtration layer offers a simple, quick and cost-effective alternative to achieve

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FEATURED PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

Tensar Geogrid Mechanical Stabilisation

Tensar TriAx^® Geogrids work by mechanically stabilising ballast aggregate particles, providing positive structural performance to the layers and creating less ballast settlement and maintenance requirements. This results in a thinner sub-ballast depth that performs the same as a much thicker layer, requiring less volumes of imported material and resultant cost savings.

The efficiency of the Tensar TriAx^® geogrid interaction is driven by the geogrid shape and structure, and how it interacts with the ballast intended for construction. Interlock is the mechanism by which the geogrid and aggregate interact under an applied load and It is critical that Geofabrics and Tensar design expertise is sought to ensure maximum cost benefit.

PRESTO International Geoweb with Insitu or Ballast Infill

The Presto Geoweb® system is used to improve the structural performance of the rail formation by enabling cellular confinement of either the subgrade or sub-ballast layers . A Geoweb with insitu soil will improve subgrade bearing capacity markedly and if installed in the sub-ballast layer, the same structural performance can be achieved with less depth of material. The added benefit is the ability of a Geoweb to remain free draining when installed within the formation. Geofabric’s key supply partner Presto Geosystems has specific design support established over a number of years with significant project support.

Reduces Cross Section Thickness:  Ballast confined in the 3D GEOWEB provides structural benefits to reduce cross section thickness by up to 60%, significantly reducing installation and rehabilitation costs.

TenCate High Strength Geotextiles Subgrade Reinforcement

TenCate geosynthetics allow construction over weak subgrades by uniformly distributing the load and improving bearing capacity and providing reinforcement to weak or low strength subgrades. The use of TenCate High Strength Geotextiles as reinforcement, separation and filtration layers allows rapid construction timeframes, but also reduces the amount of soil material utilised to construct over soft ground.

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FEATURE PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

Tensar Ballast Reinforcement

Approved by Network Rail in the UK and national rail authorities across the world, Tensar^® TriAx^® Tx190L geogrid is specially designed for use in track beds. The unique large aperture triaxial structure of Tensar^® TriAx^® Tx190L is designed specifically for track ballast stabilisation. It is scientifically proven to lock ballast in place limiting lateral movement and keeping tracks aligned. This technology reduces the rate of ballast degradation and settlement to extend the track maintenance cycle. Geofabrics have access to Tensar technologies and design software to support you in making the right Geosynthetic choice for your ballast type.

PRESTO International Geoweb Ballast Reinforcement

Geoweb^® cellular confinement system can help create high-stiffness ballast layers by confining the ballast within the 3D structure, creating a stiffened slab which increases load-bearing capacity and minimises horizontal and vertical movement. The perforated structure of Geoweb^® allows lateral drainage of water from within the ballast.

• Reduces Ballast Degradation:  Long-term confinement significantly reduces ballast movement and rotation resulting in increased ballast life.
• Less Down-Time: The GEOWEB material can be quickly installed to make any necessary repairs and minimize costly track disruptions.
• Installation Benefits: Due to the ease of installation, the GEOWEB material can be installed by the railroad’s on-site crews during any weather conditions

Tracktex Anti-mud Pumping Geocomposite

Tracktex has been created to address the extensive and expensive track and ballast deterioration problems caused by ‘Erosion Pumping Failure’ or mud pumping which results in mud holes. Tracktex is a unique patented engineering solution delivered through a calculated product development program, in partnership with rail operators and track bed engineering specialists. 

The new Tracktex product is revolutionary in it’s ability to both reinforce and prevent fouling of clean ballast layers that are detrimental to long term performance.

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FEATURED PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

Geofabrics Megaflo^® Panel Drains

Good rail formation drainage is a primary factor in maintaining serviceability. The Megaflo^® drainage system is a cheaper alternative to traditional pipe drainage systems. Megaflo® halves the installation time required for traditional methods and only requires a narrow trench, so installation and material costs are significantly reduced. 

Megaflo^® is widely used in critical applications, because of its high compressive strength under mining loads and high flow velocity means less risk of siltation. It can be used with site sands rather than costly drainage aggregate when designed correctly. The Geofabrics Mining Technical Hub and GRID Laboratory has extensive experience in critical design parameters that can assist with the right Megaflo^® Pipe and Geotextile choice to maximise performance on your specific site.

Tracktex Anti-mud Pumping Geocomposite

Tracktex has been created to address the extensive and expensive track and ballast deterioration problem caused by ‘Erosion Pumping Failure’ or mud pumping which results in mud holes. 

Tracktex is a unique patented engineering solution delivered through a calculated product development programme, in partnership with rail operators and track bed engineering specialists. 

Geofabrics bidim^® Geotextiles

bidim^® geotextiles are commonly used in the rail formation to separate the capping layer from the ballast layer, providing both a separation and filtration function. The rail industry typically demands bespoke bidim^® grades due to the nature of their aggregates and applied loads.

All bidim^® nonwoven geotextiles are manufactured in Australia to ISO 9001 standards and are supported by a rigorous MQA process as well as being designed to meet the requirements of Australian and New Zealand road authorities.

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Featured Product Solutions

TrackPad Green

TrackPad Green is designed to minimise vibration from ground and structure forces due to regular rail traffic movements that can result in excessive noise, vibration and damage to concrete structures and the rapid breakdown of ballast, leading to costly maintenance.

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Featured Product Solutions

Geofabrics Megaflo^® Panel Drains

Good rail formation drainage is a primary factor in maintaining serviceability. The Megaflo^® drainage system is a cheaper alternative to traditional pipe drainage systems. Megaflo^® halves the installation time required for traditional methods and only requires a narrow trench, so installation and material costs are significantly reduced. 

Megaflo^® is widely used in critical applications, because of its high compressive strength under mining loads and high flow velocity means less risk of siltation. It can be used with site sands rather than costly drainage aggregate when designed correctly. The Geofabrics Mining Technical Hub and GRID Laboratory has extensive experience in critical design parameters that can assist with the right Megaflo^® Pipe and Geotextile choice to maximise performance on your specific site.

Erosion Protection

Rainfall erosion and wind sediment movements can cause rail formation degradation problems but also present major risk to the environmental perception of the rail operator. Erosion causes the mobilisation of formation sediments to cause piping and major instability. Geofabrics has a range of surface erosion solution that either provide a surface erosion protection, prevent high velocity sediment movements or enable the development of revegetation strategies that are required in environmental plans. Erosion can occur along well defined flow paths and as overland flow in shallow depths, known as sheet flow. Several types of geosynthetics are used to prevent or repair erosion problems.

Sediment Control Options

The most basic solution is the clever use of silt fences, coco logs or surface geotextiles to provide basic mechanisms to slow surface flow and prevent sediment movements at high velocity.

Biodegradeable Erosion Protection

The second option would involve the use of Jute Mesh or Jute Mats to provide intermittent or full surface coverage that enables revegetation of tailings and surrounding surfaces.

Geotextiles for Temporary Surface Erosion Protection

The use of bidim^® high UV geotextiles can also be used as full surface protection for short term use as Polyester provides inherent UV stability to provide maximum survivability against UV and wind abrasion. The Geofabrics GRID Laboratory has worked with sites long term to understand the survivability of Geotextiles when exposed over the short and long term.

Synthetic Erosion Mats

Grassroots is an erosion control matting designed to protect underlying soil in steep slopes and channels from moderate to high velocity water flows, rain splash and other erosive conditions, while allowing seeds to germinate successfully and grow through the matting providing permanent vegetative reinforcement. Grassroots is made in Australia by Geofabrics from heavy synthetic UV stabilised fibres which are needle punched together into a tight open weave synthetic scrim that allows maximum surface sediment retention while facilitating maximum revegetation potential in extreme environmental conditions.

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