TrackTex™ Anti-Mud Pumping Solution

25X Increase in trackbed maintenance intervals for pumping failure
  10M+      Square feet installed
  • Prevents subgrade fines and slurry from migrating up into the ballast
  • Facilitates desiccation and drying of the existing subgrade
  • Faster to install than other conventional solutions to address mud pumping
  • Proven sufficiently robust to installation and operational damage 
  • Flexible to conform to uneven subgrade formations to eliminate slurry inducing voids
Overview

TrackTex is designed to cost-effectively address mud pumping problems in various rail track environments like treatment on mainline, secondary line, high tonnage lines, and rail yards. It also serves as preventative maintenance for crossings, diamonds, turnouts, switches, and bridge approaches. This patented geosynthetic is designed with a special filter system that improves trackbed quality over time and has been proven to significantly increase maintenance intervals. TrackTex can also be combined with a Geogrid to provide enhanced trackbed stabilization and section stiffness.

Rainwater is unable to penetrate the micro-porous filter and is drained laterally to the side of the track while pore water below the Tracktex is relieved upwards under cyclic loading which aids residual slurry to dry out as the pore water is dissipated. It can effectively facilitate the passage of liquid under pressure, but the pores block clay fines from coming through. Without pressure, water cannot pass through the filter, so that any underlying clay formation will, over time, dry out and have an improved modulus.

TrackTex is a trademark of GEOfabrics based in the United Kingdom. Tensar is the preferred distributor in the United States.

Cost-Effective Solution

Offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional ballast replacement, TrackTex has been shown to increase maintenance intervals by up to 25 times, resulting in significant cost savings. Installation costs range from $50-$60 per linear foot, compared to over $200 for ballast removal and replacement. The ballast will break down before the product stops working, ensuring long-term effectiveness.

Easy Installation

Designed for easy installation without the need for special equipment, TrackTex can be installed without cutting the track or requiring fine grading of the subgrade. Flexible installation options allow for either cutting the track or removing the ballast and lifting the track for installation. It can also be coupled with Geogrids for additional reinforcement.

Proven Performance

TrackTex has demonstrated exceptional performance in both full-scale testing and live track applications. It effectively solves the mud pumping problem by preventing mud from rising to the surface. TrackTex extends ballast life, improves track quality and geometry, and keeps water out of the trackbed, thereby increasing the subgrade bearing capacity over time.

Environmental Benefits

As a low-carbon solution, TrackTex helps reduce the environmental impact of rail track maintenance. It reduces the need for ballast removal and replacement, minimizing carbon emissions. Promoting sustainability, it aligns with the carbon reduction goals of major rail carriers. Rail carriers can use tools like Union Pacific's carbon footprint calculator to measure the environmental benefits.