Ballast pick-up can be induced in case of high train speeds. This is a phenomenon in which ballast stones are catapulted out of the ballast bed at a high velocity. This happens due to a chain reaction caused by various conditions and can bring about big damage at infrastructure as well as endanger passengers and staff members.
The research project shall study the origin and avoidance of this phenomenon. The project is strongly focussed on causal research due to measurements under real conditions. They form the basis for concepts for future avoidance.
