A Semi-Flexible Composite Trackbed Material for Stiffness Transition in Bridge Approaches and Its Application

Final Report (PDF)

Tech Brief (PDF)

Project TitleA Semi-Flexible Composite Trackbed Material for Stiffness Transition in Bridge Approaches and Its Application
UniversityPenn State Altoona
Principal Investigator(s)Shihui Shen
PI Contact InformationSzs20@psu.edu
Funding Source(s) and Amounts Provided (by each agency or organization)Penn State Altoona Federal Share $101,004
Penn State Altoona Match $101,004
Total Project Cost$202,008
Start and End Dates3/11/19—10/06/2020
Brief Description of Research ProjectThe objective of this study is to develop a prototype “stiffness transition” trackbed material and evaluate its engineering properties with laboratory tests. A self-compacting semi-flexible composite material (SFCM) will be developed for easy track modulus adjustment under different stiffness transition scenarios determined from the 3D dynamic track “Sandwich Model”. Controlling the modulus of trackbed with customizable engineering properties can reduce dynamic loading impact to both highway and bridge structures, and lead to increased life and improved safety of track components.