Experimental estimation of the degree of compaction of the roadbed by the propagation time of elastic shock waves

The study is a model of a roadbed with a heterogeneous structure. The method of laboratory experimental studies for determining the accelerations of elastic waves in the model of an inhomogeneous roadbed at different degrees of density is presented. Experimental studies were conducted using the developed laboratory setup, and it was found that with increasing density, The Wave travel time decreases since, in a dense medium, the wave propagation speed is higher. It is determined that the shortest Wave travel time is obtained to the A3 sensor, and it is 0.0016 ms in the case of non–compacted state, in the case of intermediate compaction – 0.0015 ms and at the maximum compaction – 0.0012 ms. The travel time of the wave to the sensors A2 and A4, which are located at the same distance from the drummer, is almost the same and is 0.0022 Ms. and 0.002 ms in case of non–compacted state, in case of intermediate compaction-0.0018 Ms. and 0.0019 ms and at the maximum compaction – 0.001 ms and 0.0009 ms. Experimental studies will help determine the degree of compaction of the soil of the roadbed based on the time and speed of propagation of elastic waves. It is worth noting that the laboratory installation allowed studying the propagation of elastic waves for a roadbed model, which can be designed from different types of soils. In addition, it makes it possible to consider various inhomogeneities that may occur during the operation of the roadbed of a railway track.