Numerical modeling of a reinforced railway superstructure

Geosynthetics are widely used in the mechanical stabilization of railway infrastructures with a weak subgrade. The use of geosynthetics placed inside the ballast layer or between the foundation layer and the ballast, has demonstrated advantages in reducing displacements and extending the life of the superstructure. In this study, a two-dimensional finite element model was developed, using ABAQUS software, to investigate the behavior of a non-reinforced system and one reinforced with geosynthetics. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the reinforcement contribution offered by the geogrid in the displacements reduction under traffic cyclical loads.