Laboratory assessment of recycled ballast as a sustainable subballast alternative for railway tracks - a case study on Estrada de Ferro Carajás - Revised version

Sep 8, 2026

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As global railway networks expand and maintenance activities intensify, the volume of fouled ballast requiring disposal creates growing environmental and economic pressure, demanding sustainable management solutions. This dissertation evaluates the reuse of recycled ballast from Estrada de Ferro Carajás as subballast, considering neat material, mixtures with local tropical soils, and cement-treated blends. The study examines how particle size distribution, soil content and type, compaction, and mineral composition affect stiffness, cyclic deformation, and permeability under heavy-haul loading. Laboratory testing with mineralogical, physical, cyclic triaxial, and permeability methods informs the findings.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages98

Reading Time4 h 7 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

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UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO ESCOLA POLITÉCNICA Jonathan Hamed Saico Quispe Laboratory assessment of recycled ballast as a sustainable subballast alternative for railway tracks: a case study on Estrada de Ferro Carajás São Paulo JONATHAN HAMED SAICO QUISPE Laboratory assessment of recycled ballast as a sustainable subballast alternative for railway tracks: a case study on Estrada de Ferro Carajás Revised version Dissertation presented to Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo to obtain the degree of Master of Science Research area: Transportation Engineering Advisor: Profa. Dra. Rosângela dos Santos Motta São Paulo Autorizo a reprodução e divulgação total ou parcial deste trabalho, por qualquer meioconvencional ou eletrônico, para fins de estudo e pesquisa, desde que citada a fonte. Este exemplar foi revisado e corrigido em relação à versão original, sobresponsabilidade única do autor e com a anuência de seu orientador. São Paulo, de de Assinatura do autor: Assinatura do orientador: Catalogação-na-publicação Saico Quispe, Jonathan Hamed Laboratory assessment of recycled ballast as a sustainable subballast alternative for railway tracks: a case study on Estrada de Ferro Carajás / J. H. Saico Quispe--versão corr. --São Paulo, 2025. 98 p. Dissertação (Mestrado) -Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo. Departamento de Engenharia de Transportes. 1. Lastro degradado 2. Pavimento ferroviário 3.Sublastro 4. Ferrovia de carga pesada 5. Reciclagem I. Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Politécnica. Departamento de Engenharia de Transportes II.t. Aos meus pais e irmão, pelo apoio incondicional apesar da distância. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I express my deepest gratitude to God for granting me the opportunity to reach this milestone. Thank you for the gift of life, for the joys and challenges that have shaped me, and for placing such remarkable individuals on my path. My heartfelt appreciation extends to my beloved parents, Edgar and Isidora, and my dear brother, Bryant. Their unwavering support and love, especially during my years of study far from home, have been my constant anchor. Their willingness to listen, even at the most inconvenient hours, has been invaluable. This achievement would not have been possible without their steadfast presence. I also wish to acknowledge Saul, Margarita, Jorge, Itala, Ricardo, Andrea, Braulio, Sharmely, and Nilia, whose contributions, however small, were essential to this journey. I am profoundly grateful to my advisor, Professor Rosangela Motta, for her exceptional supervision, encouragement, guidance, and support throughout this research. Her practical advice, accessibility, and patience were instrumental at every stage of this dissertation. With a heavy heart, I remember Nayruth, who, though no longer with us, inspired me to embark on this challenge. I also thank Ruben and Adriane for their invaluable assistance during my initial days in this country. My sincere thanks to all my friends and colleagues from LTP/LIM at the Universidade de São Paulo, and to the dedicated technicians of the Laboratório de Tecnologia de Pavimentação (LTP) and the Laboratório de Inovação em Vias Metroferroviárias (LIM) . Special recognition goes to Professors Kamilla and Liedi, and to Edson, Erasmo, Robson, Diomária, Alicia, Ana, Andreia, Angelo, Cecilia, Diego, Fernanda, Guilherme, Gustavo, Laura, Leidy, Luciano, Mariana, Paulo, Pedrina, Yanna, Yara, and Zila. Their kindness and helpfulness transformed my time here, creating a true Brazilian family. A special note of gratitude to Beatrice, my unwavering friend, throughout this research. Thankyou for the countless conversations about faith, life, and our studies, and for becoming my personal trainer, introducing me to the joys of running and sports. I also extend my appreciation to my friends and family for their continuous support and understanding, especially for their accep

FAQs

What material and application does the dissertation evaluate?

It investigates recycled ballast from Estrada de Ferro Carajás as a sustainable subballast alternative for railway tracks.

Which variables are studied for their impact on performance?

The research examines particle size distribution, soil content and type, compaction, and mineral composition, focusing on stiffness, cyclic deformation, and permeability.

What laboratory methods are used to support the analysis?

The study includes X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence, physical characterization, cyclic triaxial testing, and permeability testing.

Sep 8, 2026

Upload by Xiajie