HOT MIX ASPHALT FOR RAILROAD TRACKBEDS-STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

The recent increase in traffic speeds, volumes and loads on railroads has led to new requirements for improved stability and durability of track supports. This paper is concerned with both analysis and design. The paper reviews several existing computer models, which can be used for the analysis of hot mix asphalt (HMA) trackbeds. Results obtained from the computer model KENTRACK are compared with those from other existing models as well as with the measured deflections at the Ravenna Yard test site in Kentucky. The design procedures and their application to the Ravenna Yard are presented, and the effects of several important variables on the design of HMA trackbeds are illustrated. Although the proposed design procedures are tentative, they do provide the first step to put the design of HMA trackbeds on a rational basis.