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            Rainy Section at FAST: Phase I Summary
      

      
  Document Series
              Research Results


      
  Author
          Federal Railroad Administration


      
Report Number
              RR 22-31

  Office
              RDI-21


      Subject
                    Track


      
  Keywords
              Ballast, mud pumping, settlement, track modulus, drainage


      

      
      
              
                  
      
              
  Document
              Rainy Section at FAST Phase I.pdf (448.38 KB)

      
              As part of continuing research into mud pumping and fine-filled ballast, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Association of American Railroads studied how moisture in fine-filled ballast can affect track performance. The goals of this research were to better identify problematic locations and recommend more effective maintenance practices. Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) completed the first phase of testing in June 2019. The objective of Phase I was to quantify how moisture can increase track settlement (up to 15 times that of dry) and reduce the track modulus and drainage capabilities of the ballast section. In cases where the water source is from rainfall, “Rainy Section” testing identified several inches around the tie as the problematic region. Based on this study, mud pumping maintenance and remediation efforts should focus on drainage of this region.
      
            
      
      
              Last updated: Monday, October 24, 2022 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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