Mechanical Ballast & Sub-Ballast Stabilization & the Tensar+ Software Rail Module

Duration: 30 minutes   //   Attendees eligible for .5 PDH credit

Speakers:

Libby Loeffler, P.E., Central Area Geotechnical Engineer, Tensar

Don Herbert, Industry Manager – Rail, Tensar

This session will provide an introduction to the new Rail design module in Tensar+ software, and the underlying design approach.

The new Rail module was created to allow users to optimize the design of rail track sections by using mechanical stabilization of ballast and sub-ballast layers. It is based on a design approach which modifies the Li-Selig method for analyzing subgrade failure. We’ll discuss this design approach and how it uses standard input parameters to analyze the allowable bearing capacity and predicted deformation of the rail track section. The session will also provide a brief demonstration of the Tensar+ Rail design module, and a design example from a recent project.