Assessment of the Effect of Geomats on Reducing the Intensity of Deflation of Sandy Soils on Railway Embankment Slopes

Abstract

The article examines the effect of geomats on reducing the intensity of sandy soil deflation on railway subgrade slopes. The relevance of the study is обусловed by the fact that in sandy and desert regions, wind erosion leads to the removal of soil particles, deformation of slope profiles, contamination of the ballast layer, and a decrease in the operational reliability of railway tracks. Geomats are considered as geosynthetic protective materials forming a spatial structure on the slope surface, which limits the movement of sand particles and reduces the impact of wind-sand flow. The theoretical basis of the study is the classical relationship proposed by R.A. Bagnold, describing wind-driven sand transport considering wind dynamic velocity and particle characteristics. It is shown that, for railway subgrade slopes, deflation assessment should take into account not only wind impact parameters, but also soil properties, moisture content, surface condition, and the presence of a protective cover. In this regard, the necessity of considering the coefficient Cg, characterizing the retaining capacity of geomats, is substantiated. The use of this coefficient provides a methodological basis for mathematical modeling of anti-deflation slope protection and for evaluating the effectiveness of geomat application in sandy soils.