Geotextile Applications

Railroad Separation

In lieu of removing the soil, a geotextile or geogrid is an important component and excellent alternative solution for railroads battling poor subgrades and the problems they can pose. This approach includes a layer or layers of heavy, nonwoven geotextile, base stabilization geogrid (or a combination of the two), good drainage practice and suitably graded ballast.
  • Excellent Alternative Solution
  • Reduces Soil Pumping
  • Helps Prevent Rehabilitation

Failure to incorporate these components can result in the segregation of fines from within the separation layers, soil pumping, lateral movement of ballast and the eventual need for rehabilitation.

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) recommends a 10-12 oz nonwoven geotextile for regular applications; a 12-16 oz nonwoven geotextile for heavy applications; and a 16-20 oz nonwoven geotextile for extra heavy applications. If your project requires a nonwoven geotextile heavier than 16 oz/sy, please call us for a quote and data sheet. Your project engineer may specify a base stabilization geogrid or a combination of a geotextile and geogrid.

Please click on the links below to visit the heavy weight nonwoven geotexile and base stabilization geogrid sections of our website for more information and data sheets.

Links
Sections: 
BaseGrid Geogrids for Base Stabilization
FHWA, NRCS & AREMA Product Selection Guides
Heavy Weight Nonwoven Geotextiles