Assessment of Surface Water Impacts on Railway Infrastructure Stability and Drainage System Efficiency: An Analytical and Applied Study of the Al-Khums–Kaam Railway Line, Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36602/الكلمات المفتاحية:
Surface Water، Railway Infrastructure، Drainage Systems، Geotechnical Stability، Al-Khums–Kaam Railway Lineالملخص
Railway infrastructure is a fundamental component of economic development and sustainable transportation. However, exposure to surface water poses significant engineering challenges that may compromise track stability and operational efficiency. The research problem concerns the potential deterioration of subgrade soils and ballast layers due to rainwater accumulation and inadequate drainage, resulting in settlement, erosion, and structural deformation. This study aimed to assess the impacts of surface water on railway infrastructure stability, evaluate drainage system efficiency, and propose appropriate engineering solutions for the approximately 32-km Al-Khums–Kaam railway line in Libya. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, supported by a critical review of previous studies and a limited applied case study. Available climatic and geological information and hypothetical engineering scenarios were employed to examine surface runoff, soil characteristics, and alternative drainage solutions. The analytical findings indicated that water accumulation and reduced ballast permeability could increase instability risks, while effective drainage requires integrating culverts, side ditches, internal drainage, and geotechnical improvements. The scenarios also suggested potential benefits from enlarging culverts, constructing retention basins, and incorporating geosynthetic materials, although these outcomes require field validation. The study recommends conducting detailed topographic surveys, geotechnical investigations, and hydrological assessments, alongside employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydraulic modeling to identify vulnerable sections. Furthermore, preventive maintenance, early monitoring, and risk-based engineering design are recommended to enhance infrastructure resilience, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and support the sustainability and operational reliability of railway projects in Libya
التنزيلات
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الرخصة
الحقوق الفكرية (c) 2026 Abdulbasit Ahmed Abdulsamad، Fuad Salem Al-Qahwaji، Hayat Hosni Shalfit Shalfit (Author)
هذا العمل مرخص بموجب Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
