LAUSR

AbstractThis paper presents the results from a laboratory study in which the influence of metal-free tire-derived aggregates (TDA) on the performance of ballast materials was evaluated. The use of waste TDA mixed with ballast of the same gradation is considered as an economic and environmentally friendly solution to reduce ballast degradation, which in turn increases the service life of the railway track. To evaluate the behavior of ballast–TDA mixture, a series of ballast physical tests incorporating different percentages of TDA was accomplished and then the durability of specimens was investigated. The results show considerable improvement of physical performance, especially in abrasive behavior. Moreover, the effects of TDA on ballast mechanical behavior including the shear strength and the deformation performance were determined, using the direct shear test and a ballast box test. Overall, an optimal value of 10% by weight is proposed for practical use at which the particle breakage and the long-term ...