Track Bed Stabilisation (TBS)

Our patented Smartpile Track Bed Stabilisation (TBS) system applies proven geotechnical engineering solutions to improve poor track geometry.

Installed on the live railway environment the system addresses challenges with subgrade failure, avoiding speed restrictions and high maintenance costs.

The speed of the installation of this solution compared to traditional methods enables us to maximise the use of possessions/blockades and complete large stretches of track within a single shift.

What is Track Bed Stabilisation used for?

Track Bed Stabilisation is one technique in a suite of specialist piling and ground improvement techniques designed and installed by the Group’s rail division, part of the UK’s largest ground engineering contractor.

The Smartpile system has been developed in partnership with Network Rail throughout CP5 and is installed using the only Network Rail product approved SPIRIT Mast on-track through the ballast, between sleepers in rules of the route possessions.

Uniquely configured, heavy capacity road-rail piling machines are used, with patented masts and a modified and patented screw pile system. It has numerous advantages compared to traditional disruptive ‘track-out’ solutions and grouted systems or driven mini-piling solutions.

Previously, foundations built on-track have required the track to be removed or for wet products to be used, which caused additional environmental risks. Track Bed Stabilisation is a dry piling solution so mitigates this risk.

What are the advantages of Track Bed Stabilisation (TBS)?

  • Rapid installation capability in a short possession window
  • Patented pile cap detail allows controlled cutoff below tamping zone which allows normal maintenance and renewal activities to continue after installation
  • Patented SPIRIT mast controls vertical tolerance and feed rate ensuring a higher precision installation compared to typical screw pile excavator-mounted torque heads
  • Track deflections reduced by up to 60% based on detailed monitoring
  • Significant time, cost, service disruption and environmental benefits over traditional track-out approaches
  • It is a dry solution, meaning no wet products are used which reduces cost and environmental risks

Common Uses

  • New embankment construction
  • Soft ground including clays and peat
  • Made ground and variable subgrades
  • Highly loaded locations
  • Transitioning from ballasted track to track slab or on/off structures