Post Graduate Thesis Award 2025

Thesis: SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESILIENT BASE FOR SLAB TRACK IN HIGH-SPEED RAIL CORRIDOR

2025 Post Graduate Thesis Award

Winner

Dr. Mohammad Adnan Farooq

Doctor of Philosophy

Place of Study: University of Technology Sydney

Geotechnical challenges in High-Speed Railway (HSR) construction, particularly the brittleness and cracking of traditional materials like Portland cement, have driven the need for innovative solutions. In his PhD research, Dr. Farooq pioneered the development of a sustainable base layer for slab track foundations by combining rubber from recycled scrap tyres with soil and Polyurethane Foam Adhesive (PFA). His experimental work, including static and cyclic direct simple shear tests and triaxial tests, demonstrated that PFA enhances strength and prevents premature failure, while rubber improves ductility and damping—critical properties for HSR longevity.

Mohammad further advanced the field by developing and validating Finite Element (FE) models for both ballasted and slab tracks, calibrated with laboratory data and field studies. His research provides actionable insights for designing resilient HSR corridors using eco-friendly materials, addressing both performance and environmental concerns.

 

Runner Up

Dr. Joseph Arivalagan

THESIS: TRACK SUBSTRUCTURE INCLUSIONS FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF MUD PUMPING IN HEAVY HAUL TRACKS

Doctor of Philosophy

Place of Study: University of Technology Sydney

Dr. Joseph Arivalagan is awarded to be the Runner Up of the RTSA 2025 PhD Thesis Award for his thesis which evaluates how geosynthetics control and prevent mud pumping using the Dynamic Filtration Apparatus. The rapid generation of excess pore water pressure (EPWP), significant changes in particle size distribution and water content of subgrade soil were measured to assess the occurrence of subgrade fluidization.

Joseph’s laboratory experiments show that the continuous dissipation of EPWPs and the substantial reduction in drainage path lengths by prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) can control subgrade fluidization at shallow depths. Additionally, geocomposites can provide adequate surficial drainage at the ballast/subgrade interface. His research highlights the practical implications and the significance of improved drainage and swift dissipation of EPWP on low-lying saturated soils for enhanced track design. This research has significant contributions to the railway sector by its publication in various journals and presentations at multiples conferences.