Investigation of a Helical Pile Reinforced Railway Embankment over Soft Soils

To provide an economic solution to Canada’s ageing rail infrastructure, this project will investigate the use of helical piles in reinforcing railway embankments. This research will consist of the in-field monitoring of both test piles and a helical pile reinforced embankment. Prior to the embankment field investigation, test piles will be analyzed to provide a more accurate prediction of strength and failure mode for foundations using helical piles. The embankment will be monitored to compare its response to vibrations and settlement caused by train traffic before and after the installation of the piles. The project is supported by Almita Piling, who specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of helical piles systems. Almita Piling will benefit from this project through the promotion of the use of helical piles as railway reinforcement.

Faculty Supervisor:

Neil Hoult;Andy Take

Student:

Samuel Sherlock

Partner:

Almita Piling

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Queen's University