Track Stabilisation

Ballast Stabilization by gluing, (bonding) has been demonstrated as being a cost effective, reliable method of improving the stability of ballasted track without affecting drainage. The bonding material is applied externally, requiring no disturbance of the permanent way, and minimal disruption to traffic.

Ballast Stabilisation by gluing has been proven to be effective for:

• Prevention of lateral creep (where there are tight clearances)
• Increased track Stiffness for ballasted to non ballasted track transitions
• Prevention of loss of ballast through wash-out or erosion
• Installation of walkways
• Temporary / Permanent rigid track access roads ( road /rail vehicles)
• In urban areas where loose ballast may cause damage to road vehicles etc.

Each installation is preceded by a detailed site inspection to determine the condition of the ballast, track access points, the extent of the area to be treated and any other requirements that the client needs to be observed. Normally disruption to traffic is minimal as the track remains in normal service while the bonding material cures.

Our operators are trained and qualified in the transportation and workplace application of the materials, which have been fully assessed and comply with international environmental standards - Risk and COSHH assessments are reviewed for each application and can be provided on request. We currently have two application units and four trained operators.

Materials

Since introducing the technology, we have developed improved procedures and materials to maximize performance and minimize track occupation time. The bonding materials are mixed in precise proportions within the applicator, and heated to optimum viscosity for use. The materials can be deposited in wet or sub zero weather conditions. Curing time will vary depending upon ground temperature and the depth of the treatment, but traffic can pass at full line speed without detrimental effect on the performance of the bonding material. The gluing materials comply with EU environmental standards.

Installation

As mentioned earlier we have two application units, the larger is ideal for projects requiring a large quantity or area of stabilization. When working off an Road /rail vehicle with trailer, the unit has a 12m reach enabling full access to six foot and both cess areas and treatment is typically 200m – 250m /hour (250m x0.5m wide x 0.25m deep).

The second, smaller unit was developed specifically for use where there is restricted access or track occupation time is limited, and was designed to be manually handled on site by a maximum of two operators.

The unit can be filled manually from small, (25 litre drums), or pumped from 205 litre barrels as used by the larger unit.

Normally deployed using a 1000kg rail split trolley the unit along with its generator allows the client to stabilize areas of track that have access and equipment restrictions.

The TWGB Ballast Bonding process, has over the last 12 years, proved an effective technique for the stabilization of track and ballasted areas; taking hours to install rather than days, (or nights!), and costwise outperforming any other method in use at the present time. Due to its discreet performance and appearance it does not require to be entered on the hazards log, and is generally accepted by track engineers as the premium method of stabilizing track due to its flexibility of use.

Breaking News

Thermit Welding (GB) Ltd has with the assistance of some forward thinking track engineers developed the bonding materials to allow very small amounts to be used in areas such as the swing area under point switch-blades; preventing ballast stone disruption when water-jetting is taking place.