Verification of the Application of Macdrain^® W1071 I Drainage Geocomposite in Sub-Ballast Layers

The research of the Department of Railway Engineering and Track Management (DRETM) has long been focused on evaluating the potential application of various thermal insulating, reinforcing, or composite building materials in the construction of the sub-ballast layers. For this purpose, an experimental facility called the DRETM Test Stand was built on the campus of the University of Žilina (UNIZA), consisting of eight measurement profiles (test fields). Each measurement profile is characterized by its specific construction and material composition. The application of construction materials that have not yet been applied within the Slovak Railways network, such as extruded polystyrene, Liapor, Liapor concrete, foam concrete, and foam glass, is mainly evaluated within the individual measurement profiles. At the request of MACCAFERRI CENTRAL EUROPE, s.r.o., the drainage geocomposite MacDrain® W1071 was tested on the aforementioned test stand to assess its potential application in the sub-ballast layers. This drainage geocomposite is primarily designed to ensure drainage and separation functions within the construction of the sub-ballast layers. The article evaluates its potential use as a thermal layer to potentially increase the thermal resistance of the trackbed construction. In other words, it considers whether its application could enhance the protection of the subgrade surface of fine-grained soils not only against the adverse effects of water but also against frost.