Yujin Lim

Investigation of Stiffness Characteristics of Subgrade Soils under Tracks Based on Stress and Strain Levels

In this study, the so-called repeated plate load bearing test (RPBT) used to get values in order to check the degree of compaction of subgrade, and to get design parameters for determining the thickness of the trackbed foundation, is investigated. The test procedure of the RPBT method is scrutinized in detail. values obtained from the field were verified in order to check the reliability of the test data. The values obtained from high-speed rail construction sites were compared to converted modulus values obtained from resonant column (RC) test results. For these tests, medium-size samples composed of the same soils from the field were used after analyzing stress and strain levels existing in the soil below the repeated loading plates. Finite element analyses, using the PLAXIS and ABAQUS programs, were performed in order to investigate the impact of the strain influence coefficient. This was done by getting newly computed to get the precise strain level predicted on the subgrade surface in the full track structure; under wheel loading. It was verified that it is necessary to use precise loading steps to construct nonlinear load-settlement curves from RPBT in order to get correct values at the proper strain levels.

Evaluation of Dynamic Properties of Crushed Stones Used as Reinforced Trackbed Foundation Materials Using Midsize Resonant Column Test apparatus

In this study, a mid-size RC test apparatus equipped with analyzing program is developed that can test samples up to D

Application of a Simple Non Destructive Test Method to Obtain the Dynamic Modulus of Asphalt Mixtures used for an Asphalt Trackbed Foundation

An asphalt trackbed is to be adapted in Korea to provide better bearing capacity and stability to the track and a comfortable ride to passengers. The dynamic modulus of Hot Mixed Asphalt(HMA) mixes is a critical design input parameter to determine the thickness of the asphalt trackbed. In this study, impact resonant tests and ultrasonic test methods are designed to obtain the dynamic modulus. These test methods are also verified to check the etffectiveness of constructing a master curve of the dynamic modulus over a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. The test results are compared to the computed dynamic modulus using AASHTO 2002 and the KPRP`s proposed model. It can be concluded that the proposed simple test methods are effective to obtain the dynamic moduli of the asphalt mixes for the design of an asphalt trackbed foundation.

Evaluation of Dynamic Properties of Trackbed Foundation Soil Using Mid-size Resonant Column Test

A mid-size RC test apparatus (MRCA) equipped with a program is developed that can test samples up to D=10 cm diameter and H=20 cm height which are larger than usual samples used in practice. Using the developed RC test apparatus, two types of crushed trackbed foundation materials were tested in order to get the shear modulus reduction curves of the materials with changing of shear strain levels. For comparison purpose, large repetitive triaxial compression tests (LRT) with samples of height H=60cm and diameter D=30 cm were performed also. Resilient modulus obtained from the LRT was converted to shear modulus by considering elastic theory and strain level conversion and were compared to shear modulus values from the MRCA. It is found from this study that the MRCA can be used to test the trackbed foundation materials properly. It is found also that strain levels of Ev2 mostly used in the field should be verified considering the shear modulus reduction curves and proper values of Ev2 of trackbed foundation must be used considering the strain level verified.

Stiffness Modulus Comparison in Trackbed Foundation Soil

The primary function of the trackbed in a conventional railway track system is to decrease the stresses in the subgrade to be in an acceptable level. A properly designed trackbed layer performs this task adequately. Many design procedures have used assumed and/or are based on critical stiffness values of the layers obtained mostly in the field to calculate an appropriate thickness of the sublayers of the trackbed foundation. However, those stiffness values do not consider strain levels clearly and precisely in the layers. This study proposes a method of computation of stiffness that can handle with strain level in the layers of the trackbed foundation in order to provide properly selected design values of the stiffness of the layers. The shear modulus values are dependent on shear strain level so that the strain levels generated in the subgrade in the trackbed under wheel loading and below plate of Repeated Plate Bearing Test (RPBT) are investigated by finite element analysis program ABAQUS and PLAXIS programs. The strain levels generated in the subgrade from RPBT are compared to those values from RC (Resonant Column) test after some consideration of strain levels and stress consideration. For comparison of shear modulus G obtained from RC test and stiffness moduli Ev2 obtained from RPBT in the field, many numbers of mid-size RC tests in laboratory and RPBT in field were performed extensively. It was found in this study that there is a big difference in stiffness modulus when the converted Ev2 values were compared to those values of RC test. It is verified in this study that it is necessary to use precise and increased loading steps to construct nonlinear curves from RPBT in order to get correct E v2 values in proper strain levels.