Down to content

Track Ballast Stabilisation

Track maintenance work and line speed restrictions significantly affect schedules and are expensive and disruptive to the public, train operators and asset owners. Much of it is down to poor track geometry and a loss of vertical and horizontal alignment of the rails, caused by ballast deformation.

Certification and Approval

TriAx TX190L geogrid has been approved by rail authorities, including Network Rail, for improving the performance of ballasted track.



How Tensar geogrids can help

Adding a layer of Tensar TriAx Tx190L geogrid means that the ballast material partially penetrates and projects through the apertures.  This creates a strong and positive interlock to limit lateral movement under loading and by doing so, the settlement rate is reduced. The durable polypropylene grids have been proven to function in ballast for at least 20 years, too – offering a truly long-term solution.

A proven solution

Having been used for ballast stabilisation for well over 25 years, Tensar geogrids have been the subject of extensive independent research and development both in laboratory and field conditions; this has led to them being approved by Network Rail in the UK and National Rail Authorities in many countries.

Whatever your rail project, we can help

Tensar’s innovative technology has been used in many rail projects, and a full range of case studies and brochures is available. We can also provide full technical support including expert advice, specifications, drawings, certified designs and details of pricing, and we regularly run free workshops. 

Read more

Maintaining railway track geometry with Tensar geogrids

TriAx TX190L geogrid has been approved by rail authorities, including Network Rail, for improving the performance of ballasted track.

The benefits

Reducing the rate of ballast deformation has several long-term benefits:

  • Maintain track geometry: by restricting the movement of the ballast particles, the horizontal and vertical alignment of the rails is maintained for longer
  • Longer maintenance cycles: research has shown that the maintenance cycle can be extended by a factor of around three
  • Extended ballast life: a reduction in movement of ballast particles reduces the breakdown of the ballast itself; reducing the frequency of maintenance also reduces the rate of ballast degradation caused by the tamping tines and so extends ballast life- a virtuous circle.
  • Transition zones: smoothing the track profile at the interface between rigid and low stiffness formations. e.g. At approach embankments to underbridges
Read more

Need help?

Related Links