Verification of XiTRACK Reinforcement Over Weak Alluvial Soils at Deep Wharf Level Crossing, Purfleet 

P.K. Woodward^1&2, G. Nicholl², D. Thompson³, R. Smith³

¹ School of Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS
² XiTRACK Limited, Station Road, Birch Vale, High-Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 1BR
³ Balfour Beatty Rail Technologies, Midland House, Nelson Street, Derby, DE1 2SA

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ABSTRACT

In this paper the application of the XiTRACK technique to the reinforcement of the foundations at Deep Wharf Level Crossing, Purfleet is presented. The paper is particularly relevant as the level crossing forms part of the Tilbury Loop Line and Coblefret Port which are among the most important freight routes in the UK. The paper describes how both the bearing strength and settlement profile of the level crossing site was improved by deepening the granular formation depth and reinforcing the ballast using insitu polymer technology to form a flexible, but resilient, geo-pavement. This was considered necessary as the line is built over very soft Alluvial soils which cause significant track and road maintenance problems. The XiTRACK solution provided significant savings in both construction costs and track downtime and allowed for track transitions to be built for gradual changes in track stiffness. The paper discusses these issues and presents verification results based on actual track measurements taken both before and after treatment using accelerometers.

Presented at the 8th International Railway Engineering Conference, London, June 2005.