Facta Universitatis, Series: Mechanical Engineering, ONLINE FIRST

APPLICATION OF CONCRETE CANVAS FOR ENHANCING RAILWAY SUBSTRUCTURE PERFORMANCE UNDER STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOADS

Balázs Eller, Szabolcs Fischer

Abstract


This study evaluates the potential of Concrete Canvas (CC), a geosynthetic cementitious composite mat (GCCM), in improving railway substructure performance under static and dynamic loads. While CC is widely used for drainage and slope protection, its behavior under railway-specific dynamic forces remains insufficiently studied. Addressing this gap, full-scale laboratory tests, including advanced GOM ATOS 3D scanning and four-point bending evaluations, were conducted to assess deformation, settlement, and shear resistance. Results showed that CC integration reduced settlement by 44.9% compared to unreinforced tracks after one million load cycles, while inner shear resistance can be improved by up to 52-57%. CC's quasi-rigid nature allowed it to withstand over 2.3 million dynamic load cycles – equivalent to 25.875 million tons of mixed traffic – without significant cracking or material failure. The material maintained structural cohesion, with microfractures contributing to its enhanced durability and resistance to deformation. Bending tests revealed that fiber reinforcement in the case of longitudinal weaving direction increased flexural strength by 55.1% after 7 days and 81.7% after 28 days of curing, further emphasizing CC's robustness. These results highlight CC's ability to address issues such as weak subgrades and poor drainage, making it a promising solution for localized track repairs and challenging operational environments. Future research should explore long-term field performance, extreme environmental conditions, and advanced modeling techniques to optimize CC applications in railway infrastructure.