XiTRACK™ Projects:  Worplesdon

In 2003 the XiTRACK technique was used to reinforce and stabilise the vertical bridge transitions for the Hop Garden Bridge on the Up Guildford line near Worplesdon Station.  XiTRACK was selected as other conventional methods had failed to solve the persistent vertical track geometry fault that often develops on transitions adjacent to this type of directly fastened timber deck bridges.  Such problems are often considered ‘unmaintainable’ as often faults quickly return after maintenance or renewal.

XiTRACK was installed in a ‘maintenance mode’; this means that the polymer was applied without renewal of the ballast, even though parts of the ballast structure were contaminated with varying degrees of fines.  Also, the track was not lifted or packed prior to treatment and hence XiTRACK was used to stabilise the transition in its current configuration to help prevent further deterioration of the track geometry.  It should be noted that the site was treated to allow full maintenance if required. The line is subjected to local and freight traffic up to a maximum speed of 85mph.

Track geometry before and after XiTRACK application are being monitored.  No vertical re-alignment has been required since treatment.