Ensuring of railway ballast and subballast bearing capacity in terms of heavy axle load train operation

The stated ballast and subballast bearing capacity calculation method allows to ensure track stable performance and optimize track lifecycle costs. The calculation method is based on limit equilibrium theory considering vibrodynamic impact and field test results of ballast stressed state and vertical and horizontal vibroaccelerations in ballast layer. Case calculations using the mentioned method were made for terms of 230–300 kN axle load operation. Values of limit vertical stress, required depth of protective subballast layer and required ballast strength properties were derived.