Structural Analysis of Factors Influencing the Functionality of Subgrade of Transport Constructions

摘要

Railway and highway subgrade is considered to be one of the most vulnerable elements of transport structures. Undoubtedly, its failure may cause serious delays or even traffic interruption. Moreover, subgrade reliability is affected by various material, technological, climatic, as well as, soil-related and geological factors. This paper presents the results of a structural analysis with impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) technique applied for the identification of the most essential factors based on the intensity of their influence on each other. By doing so, an opinion survey was undertaken through expert consultations with industry and academic representatives in the field of construction materials, design, construction and operation of railways and roads in order to increase the subgrade effectiveness and reliability. Based on the outcomes of the derived structural analysis, it can be concluded that the following factors are the most influential: strength, water and physical properties of the top subgrade layer material; optimal subgrade soil moisture monitoring during its maintenance; and construction management of subgrade. Targeted control of the mentioned factors in general, and the top subgrade layer properties in particular, mainly depends on the properties of applied materials. This condition is generic, regardless of a region where railways and roads are being operated.