Application of XiTRACK GeoComposite Technology to Bletchley Points on the West Coast Main Line 

P.K. Woodward, G. Nicholl & B. Zettor

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ABSTRACT:

This paper describes the successful application of the patented XiTRACK^TM GeoComposite technique for the reinforcement and stabilisation of a set of points near Bletchley Station on the West Coast Main Line, UK. XiTRACK is a new design-based method to stabilise track ballast using tailored visco-elastic polymers. The properties and track distribution of these polymers are designed using advanced three-dimensional numerical programs of track behaviour. The paper discusses how the technique was applied at Bletchley points, in terms of both the mathematical modelling and the actual track treatment itself. Prior to XiTRACK treatment the points were being realigned at approximately four monthly intervals due to vertical and lateral point movement. Since treatment the points have required no maintenance after 4 years continuous use on the West Coast Main Line at full line speed and mixed traffic loading. The results of measured track behaviour, using a purpose built high-speed on-site data acquisition system and advanced computer modelling of track behaviour, are also presented. The paper clearly demonstrates the ability of the technique to solve maintenance problems of this type on mixed high-speed lines and the computational abilities of the simulation software to analyse track behaviour.

Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Railway Engineering, London, July 2004.