Influence of gluing-solution layout on gluing-solution distribution in a realistic railway ballast

In this article, the influence of gluing-solution layout on the gluing-solution distribution at the final stage of solidification process in a realistic railway ballast is investigated. A unified Cauchy stress model, with an asymptotic time-dependent viscosity, is proposed to account for the coupled antithixotropic and shear-thickening features of gluing solutions. Realistic railway ballast is accomplished by using the vertex-identification technique, in which regulations for gravel composition in ballast practice are followed. A network and matrix layouts of gluing solution are applied. Flow characteristics and time-dependent solidification of the gluing solution in the multiconnected conducts spanned by the gravels are simulated by using a finite-element code. Although more concrete lateral and vertical gluing adhesions among the gravels can be accomplished by spreading gluing solution in the network arrangement, the gluing-solution distribution obtained by pouring gluing solution in the matrix layout is relatively localized and limited. For a better pointwise gravel-gravel adhesion, gluing solution in a network arrangement is pronounced to be an a priori gluing practice.