Title:
Fatigue Evaluation of Light-Rail Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Track Slabs
Author(s):
Mobasher
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F24_Mobasher.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
11/3/2024
Abstract:
A series of large-scale fatigue tests were conducted on 1:1 scale track slabs used for light rail applications in an attempt to replace its conventional RC design with optimized steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). Slab samples included two different types of steel fiber reinforced concrete as the primary reinforcement with different dosages and a control sample with the conventional RC design. The Fatigue testing parameters were aimed to simulate extended service life conditions. The crack propagation, deflection, stiffness degradation, and the load capacity were measure for the three representative design models. Results show that the SFRC specimen with a dosage of 60 lbs/cy maintained substantial portion of initial stiffness with a reduction of 8.6% in stiffness after 2 million load cycles of fatigue to twice the required service load. The specimens was shown to maintain sufficient ductility and load-bearing capacity after the simulation of 45 years of 200% service loads. Field implementation of optimized SFRC design resulted in large cost savings and construction time reduced to more than half, highlighting the need for improved design for new infrastructure projects with sustainable materials and design philosophy.