Evaluation of Geofoam for Support of Freight Rail Tracks 1 Center for Advanced Intermodal Technologies (CAIT) National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education (CFIRE)
Overview Proven concept for light rail and commuter rail. UTA light rail and commuter rail lines provide an excellent opportunity to obtain data of the field performance of geofoam embankments subjected to light and commuter rail loads. Although loads from light and commuter rail systems are typically less than freight rail loads, the field instrumentation data can be used to develop preliminary designs of freight rail. Develop and test prototypes for freight based on the light and commuter rail proven concepts Additionally, the field data can also be used to improve current light and commuter rail designs.
Objectives To develop preliminary design guidelines for the use of geofoam to support freight rail tracks, and To develop a design of a full-scale test embankment for freight rail. To obtain field data that can be used to improve current light and commuter rail designs.
Phases PHASE I: Field Testing Perform field vibration and deflection measurements Analyze field test data and develop numerical model PHASE II: Lab Testing Perform lab testing of various geofoam prototype track model track configurations Analyze lab test data and develop numerical model PHASE III: Develop Design Recommendations Analyze combined field and lab test data and numerical models Develop recommendations for use of geofoam to support freight rail track systems Develop a design of a full-scale test embankment to solicit funding for the full-scale test embankment
Instrumentation
26 x 21 mm
Instrumentation
The CR3000 Micrologger® supports complex applications with many sensors. It is fast and powerful enough to handle extended eddy- covariance systems with full energy-balance systems. Multiple CR3000s can be configured as a network or units can be deployed individually. Designed for stand-alone operation in harsh, remote environments. The CR3000 consists of a compact, integrated package with a built-in power supply, a 128-by-64-pixel backlit graphical or eight-line numeric display, and a 16-character keyboard.
Instrumentation