Advantages of using CONCRETE CANVAS materials in railway track construction

Purpose. Justification of the feasibility of using new types of drainage materials, such as Concrete Canvas (CC), under the upper structure of the railway permanent way. Methodology. The tasks were solved by a complex research method, including analysis and generalization of literary and patent sources, analytical, experimental studies, using computer and mathematical modeling methods. Tests were conducted with and without the CC layer in a multi-level shear box. After the shear test, the specimens were also tested for load-bearing capa­city (E2, according to the Hungarian standard) and particle breakage. The contact surface between the bottom of the ballast and the CC was measured using a precision 3D laser scanner (GOM ATOS) and visualized graphically using AutoCAD software. Findings. Experimental testing of the vertical load during connection and analysis compared with the test results of geocomposite/geogrid structures, internal shear resistance, and other parameters proved the structure’s higher load-bearing capacity with the CC layer. Based on the results, the Concrete Canvas structure provides higher reinforcement than the average geogrid type. Originality. The advantages of using new Concrete Canvas materials in the structure of a railway track have been demonstrated for the first time to provide greater internal shear resistance than the average for geogrids. Practical value. These results may provide primary data for using Concrete Canvas in railway tracks and superstructures in the future.