Geo-Synthetics

Specifications for Railway

Sector

Rajesh Agarwal, Director, RDSO

RDSO Research Design & Standard Organization

Only R & D organization of IR
Deals from Track formation to Bridges to Coaches to signal to OHE
Made specifications of products for Railway Use
Latest Achievements includes
AC Double Decker Coach
4500 HP Hotel load locomotive
Video Surveillances for running train
Designing of Track including formation for HAL

Geotechnical Directorate

Deals with R & D of soil mechanics for the

use of Railways in
Formations
Cuttings
Ground

improvement
RE wall constructions ( ROB )

Introduction

Geosynthetics :Generally Polymer based Polypropylene, Polyester, PVC, Polyamide,

Polyethylene
Various types of Geosynthetics can be used in
Railways
Geotextiles
Geogrids
Geonets
Geocell
Geomembranes
Geocomposites
Prefabricated Vertical Drains (Band Drains)

Functions of
Geosynthetics
Geo-synthetics can perform one or several functions

to improve mechanical or hydraulic behaviour of the

Railway Formations (Base structure)
The basic functions performed by geo-synthetics are:
Separation
Filtration
Drainage
Reinforcement
Barrier
Basal Layer

Functions of
Geosynthetics

Separation

Filtration

Functions of
Geosynthetics
Reinforcement

Drainage

Functions of
Geosynthetics
Barrier

Scope for use of

geosynthetics
Vision 2020
New

Lines -- 25000 km route expansion

DFC- Western & Eastern Corridor
Double/Multiple lines 30000 Kms

Need for Use of Geo-Synthetics

Existing Lines
Indian Railways is upgrading infrastructure to
meet future demand of growing traffic.
Geosynthetics can also be used in
rehabilitation/strengthening of existing weak
formation of length about 700 kms PR & 2000km
TSR.

Scope for use of

geosynthetics
ROB/RUB

Road Over Bridge ( 600 ROB constructed per year)

Application In Railway
(General)

Steep Slope Construction ( Non Railway Loading)

Construction of high banks on soft soil (PVD)

Erosion control of slope

Protection against rock falls

ROB for Road Loading

Use of Synthetic
Geogrids for Erosion
Control of Natural
Existing Slopes

Construction of RE Embankment

Typical Cross Section of

Embankment with Prefabricated
Vertical Band Drains
Initial
Embankment

Soft
Clay
Layer

Sand
Blanket
Band
drains

Firm
Soil
15

Application In Railway
(Specific)
Track Bed Design
Reinforced Earth Embankment (Railway
Loading )
Formation Rehabilitation

GEOSYNTHETICS APPLICATION IN RAILWAY FORMATION

USES OF GEO-GRID

GEOSYNTHETICS APPLICATION IN RAILWAY FORMATION

Geotechnical Directorate

Locations

Specification requirement

Formations

To be designed for Rly Loadings

Cuttings

No issue with Rlys

Ground improvement

No issue with Rlys

RE wall constructions ( ROB) No issue with Rlys

Specifications and scope for use

of geo-synthetics in World
Railways
European Railways (UIC)
Code 719 R
New Construction
Geotextiles

between blanket and prepared subgrade

if prepared subgrade has fines more than 15%

Existing Track
Geotextiles

and geogrids for Formation

Rehabilitation

Specifications and scope for use

of geo-synthetics in World
Railways
European Railways (UIC)
Code 719 R
New Construction
Geotextiles

between blanket and prepared subgrade

if prepared subgrade has fines more than 15%

Existing Track
Geotextiles

and geogrids for Formation

Rehabilitation

Specifications and scope for use

of geo-synthetics in World
Railways
American Railways
AREMA Manual Part 10
New Construction
Geotextiles

between Ballast & sub-ballast

Geotextiles beneath sub-ballast
Erosion Control on slopes

Existing Track
For

Formation Rehabilitation

Specifications and scope for use

of geo-synthetics in World
Railways
Australian Railways
Reconditioning Guidelines RTS3430

Existing Track
Geotextiles

and Geogrids for Formation

Rehabilitation

Specifications and scope for use

of geo-synthetics
Indian Railways (specific to railway use)
Jute

geotextiles ( for erosion control) Issued

Geo-grids under trial
Geotextiles (beneath track & slope protection) under
preparation

Jute Geo-Textile

Guidelines for application of Jute Geotextile in Railway Embankment & Hill

slopes issued for erosion control.

Guidelines no. RDSO/2007/GE : G-0008

Use of IS of geo-synthetics by IR
Geo Jute
All properties is to be checked with IS codes
Properties

Test Method (IS)

Weight (gsm)

IS: 2387

Maximum length & width

IS: 1954

Ends/dm & picks/dm

IS: 1963

Thickness

IS: 7702

Aperture size

IS: 2405

Minimum Breaking Load

IS:1969

Maximum Elongation at
Break

IS: 1969

Use of IS of geo-synthetics by IR
Geo Grid
All properties is to be checked with IS codes
Properties

Test Method (IS)

Mass per unit area

IS: 14716

Ultimate Tensile Strength

IS: 13162 (Part V)

Load at 2% & 5% strain

IS: 13162(Part V)

Strain at Ultimate Tensile Strength

IS: 13162(Part V)

Use of IS of geo-synthetics by IR
Geo Textiles
All properties is to be checked with IS codes
Properties

Test Method (IS)

Mass per unit area

IS: 14716

Tensile Strength

IS 13162

Elongation at break

IS: 13162

Apparent opening size

IS: 14294

Water flow rate normal to

the plane

IS: 14324

Geo-grid in IR

Biaxial geo-grid has been used in South Central

Railway, Northern Railway (Polypropylene strength
30 kN/m with aperture size of 61mm x 61mm) has
been used for formation rehabilitation/strengthening.
Observations in field at SCR & NR have indicated
improvement of overall track performance after the
application of Geo-grid.

Geo-grid+Geo-textile on IR

NF Railway also tried use of Geo-grid (Polyester based

knitted & coated with strength of 40 kN/m & aperture size
of 25mmx25mm) in combination of geo-textile and sand
layer for formation rehabilitation.
The performance report of the trial section of NF Railway
is satisfactory.

For low density routes, geotextile along with sand layer and brick
soling has been used in Sitamarhi Darbangha project, ECR.

Geo-grids

Field trials for formation rehabilitation Geogrid in SCR

Issues involved for optimum benefit

Aperture size ( As per ballast size if IR)

Junction strength (As per Axle load)
Material type (As per Soil/Atmospheric condition)

Geo-grids
40X40 mm to 60X60 mm aperture size are not
available for trial.
These sizes may be provided/manufactured.
Scope- Early Rehabilitation of approx. 2000 km track.

Specifications of Geogrids for Extended Trials on South Central Railway

Item
1

Property
Material of Geogrid

Test Method

Values

Any organic polymer based material to provided

required
mechanical
properties
(like
Polypropylene/Polyester/HDPE or similar polymer).
Atleast, both Polypropylene and Polyester geo-grid
material must be used in trial.

Aperture size
(clear)

1. 30-40 mm Square (preferably 35mmx35mm)

2. 40-50 mm Square (preferably 45mmx45mm)
3. 50-60 mm Square (preferably 55mmx55mm)
4. 30-40 mm x 60-65 mm Rectangular
5. 40-50 mm x 60-65 mm Rectangular
Aperture sizes of geo-grid of square/rectangular shape
in each above group should differ atleast by 8-10mm.

Roll width

As per requirement of width attachment to fit with BCM,

in the range 3.8m to 4.0m.

Roll length

50 m (Minimum)

Mechanical Properties & other Tests

Item

Property

Test Method

Values

5.1

Ultimate Tensile Strength

(MD & CD)

IS: 13162 part 5 & IS:

13325/ASTM D
6637/BS EN ISO:
10319

Two types
1.20 kN/m
(minimum)
2.30 kN/m
(minimum)

5.2

Strain at Ultimate Tensile

Strength
(MD & CD)

IS: 13162 part 5 & IS:

13325/ASTM D
6637/BS EN ISO:
10319

8-5% (Range)

5.3

Junction Efficiency (CD & MD)

(Non Essential Test)

GRI-GG2-87 and GRIGG1-87

Desirable 95%
(Test to be done
prior to insertion)

Non Essential Tests : These tests are to be conducted on geo-grid samples before
laying and test values are to recorded for further decision.
6.1

Radial stiffness at low strain

(@0.5% strain)(Non Essential
Test)

ISO 10319: 1996

Property

Test
Method

Item
6.5

Resistance to chemical
degradation
(Non Essential Test)

EPA 9090

6.6a

Resistance to UV Light
Weathering
(Non Essential Test)

ASTM D4355

6.6b

Carbon Black Test

(where applicable as
per polymer type
material)
(Non Essential Test)

BS2782 Part-4 Method, 452B: 1993

6.7

Creep limited Strength

for 15 years period at
30 C temp.
(MD & CD)
(Non Essential Test)

ASTM D 5262/ASTM D6992/ISO 13431

Values

Specification of Non-woven Geo-textile

SL

Property

Test Method

Values

Polymer

Polypropylene/ High Density Polyethylene/

polyamide, polyester or similar polymer

Weight/Mass per unit area

IS: 14716 /
ASTM D: 3776

Thickness of Fabric at 2 Kpa

ASTM 5199

Roll width

5.0 metre (minimum).

Roll Length

300 g/m2
(Minimum)
2.0 mm (minimum)

50 m (minimum)

Mechanical Properties
1

Elongation at break

IS: 13162 /
ASTM D 4595 /
EN ISO: 10319

40 % to 70 %

Tensile Strength

IS: 13162 / ASTM D

4595 /
EN ISO: 10319

15 kN/m (minimum)

Hydraulic Properties
1
2
36

Apparent opening size O95

Water Flow Rate Normal to the
Plane

IS: 14294 / ASTM D

4751 /
EN ISO: 12956

40 to 85 microns

IS 14324 /
ASTM D 4491

20 lit. /m2/s
Geotechnical
(minimum)
Engg./RDSO

Specification of woven geo-textile

SL

Property

Test Method

Polymer

Mass per unit area

IS: 14716 /
ASTM D: 3776

Thickness at 2 Kpa

ASTM: 5199

Roll width

5.0 metre (minimum)

Roll Length

50 m (minimum)

Values

Polypropylene/ High Density Polyethylene/

polyamide/ polyester or similar polymer
240 g/m2 (Minimum)
0.65 mm (minimum)

Mechanical Properties
1

Tensile Strength
Warp
Weft

40kN/m (Minimum)

IS: 1969 /
ASTM D 4595 /
EN ISO: 10319

15%-30 %

35kN/m (Minimum)

Elongation at Maximum Load

Warp
Weft

IS: 1969 /
ASTM D 4595 /
EN ISO: 10319

Puncture Strength

15%-30 %

IS: 13162 /
ASTM D: 4833

600 N (Minimum)

IS 14294 /
ASTM D: 4751 /
EN ISO: 12956

425 microns (maximum)

IS: 14324/
ASTM D: 4491

Geotechnical
15 lit. /m2/s (minimum)
Engg./RDSO

Hydraulic Properties
1
37 2

Apparent opening size O95

Water Flow Rate Normal To The
Plane

 Reinforced Earth Design for Railway Loading

By KRCL in USBRL Projects
Bridge no 40 at Riasi
Bank of 16m to 56 m high
Design Approved by IIT/D
Cost effective (whether or not)

Road Over Bridge without Reinforced Earth Wall (Conventional ROB)

Road Over Bridge With Retaining Wall

Road Over Bridge With Reinforced Earth Wall

General Issues

Specification- Generic in nature

To avoid monopoly
Material to be readily available (Time constraint)

Cost effective
Should be competitive with Alternates
Research with Blending of Jute with PP etc.
being explored by Railways

Issues concern

Testing facilities
Contracts

to be awarded division wise & to be

passed by divisional authorities
How testing of material to be monitored

Works contract/Supply contract

Railway

prefers works contract

Application of Geo-syntheticis
Analysis of behavior of different Geo-synthetics to be
used in Railway Formations
Validation through Lab model,
FEM model
And site measurements etc.
Draft Guidelines For Geo-synthetics Prepared & under
active discussion with in Railway

THANKS

Other Use Of Geosyntheticis in IR

Different Zonal Railways may be use the
Geosynthetic on their railway as per requirement
and site conditions such as:
Steep Slope Construction, Embankment Slip
repairs, Construction of high banks on soft soil
(PVD), Erosion control of slope And Protection
against rock falls etc.

Formation treatment with blanket &

geotextile by formation rehabilitation m/c
The limitations of Indian railways
The formation rehabilitation m/c very costly
Line Block Requirement - 6 to 8 Hrs.
(Very difficult for running track)
Progress very slow- 300 to 400 m per day
Geotextile life is very short 4 -5 years, Indian Railway
want long life such as 10 to 15 years.
Cost effectiveness - Cost consideration not match

QUALITY ASSURANCE & QUALITY

CONTROL PLAN FOR GEOSYNTHETICS
The manufacturer must have in house integrated
testing facilities for all the tests as per specifications
to be carried out on the product. The testing
facilities may be more for Geosynthetics in India.
The Railway Authorities may witness the tests
carried out at independent testing facilities.

CONCLUSIONS
Geo-synthetics can be used effectively in railway
application for track bed stabilization, track drainage,
erosion control, interface protection, construction over soft
soil, steep slope construction, mud pumping, etc.
Its use is a necessity and cost effective for construction of
new formations & rehabilitate / strengthen the existing
formations for running of heavy axle loads.
The specifications of Geosynthetics items specially
Geogrid for railway application are in evolving stage
worldwide.
IR has gained some experience and RDSO has framed
provisional specifications. These should be tried as per site
conditions.
Extended Field trials are necessary to validate & assess
specifications of geogrids for track bed strengthening.

Need for Use of Geo-Synthetics

New Constructions
To construct Dedicated Freight Corridors i.e.
Eastern Corridor & Western Corridor & High
Speed Corridors to connect the major cities.
This requires construction of new stable track
formations suitable for heavy axle loads.
It is difficult to adopt the present practice in DFC
& High speed which will increase the maintenance
cycles. Hence Railway formation should be
design using geo-synthetics.

Specification of Geo-grid
SN

Property

Test Method

Values

Polymer

Polypropylene/Polyester or similar polymer

2.

Mass per unit area

IS: 14716 /
ASTM D: 3776

3.

Aperture size

4.

Roll width

As per site requirement and width attachment to BCM

5.

Roll Length

50 m (minimum)

320 g/m2(minimum)

Square opening of suitable size (suggested size 35mm to 60

mm) such that effective interlocking takes place with the
existing ballast particles. (Size to be decided by PCE
Zonal railway, as per site conditions.)

Mechanical Properties
1.

Ultimate Tensile Strength (MD)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (CD)

2.

Strain at Ultimate Tensile Strength (MD)

Strain at Ultimate Tensile Strength (CD)

3.

Creep limited strength for 15 years period at 300

C temperature (MD and CD)

IS: 13162 part 5 & IS:

13325 /
ASTM D 6637 /
BS EN ISO: 10319
IS: 13162 part 5 & IS:
13325 /
ASTM D 6637 /
BS EN ISO: 10319
ASTM D5262 /
ASTM D6992 /
ISO 13431

30 kN/m (minimum)
30 kN/m (minimum)
8 - 15%
8 - 15%
15 kN/m (minimum)

Note: 1. Test method is only indicative which give procedure. However values will govern as
specified above.
2. Long term strength of geogrid with due consideration of creep effect is important as
geogrid is supposed to remain under track for long period say 20 years or more.
Geotechnical
Engg./RDSO
51
3. MD stands for Main Direction & CD stands for Cross Direction.