• Mandar Chandrakant Bhokare

This analysis paper investigates the initiation, propagation, and structural implications of intrinsic cracks in Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) components used in Ballastless Track Systems (BLTS). As modern railway infrastructure increasingly adopts BLTS for enhanced stability and reduced maintenance, understanding the deterioration mechanisms within the concrete plinths and base slabs has become essential for ensuring long-term performance. Intrinsic cracks, primarily driven by early-age shrinkage, thermal gradients, hydration heat, and cyclic wheel loads, pose a significant risk to alignment accuracy, stiffness uniformity, and fatigue resistance. The study conducts a comparative evaluation of crack behaviour using analytical fracture mechanics, field-measured data, and advanced numerical modelling through ABAQUS. Stress Intensity Factors (SIF), fracture energy concepts, and XFEM-based simulations are used to quantify crack growth under realistic service loading conditions. The results demonstrate the correlation between intrinsic crack propagation and progressive reduction in structural performance, highlighting critical thresholds beyond which deterioration accelerates. Crack-depth growth curves, stiffness degradation patterns, and failure indices are examined to identify governing parameters influencing the residual life of RCC components. The analysis confirms that accurate prediction of residual structural life requires integrating analytical, numerical, and field-based assessments. The findings emphasize the need for improved monitoring strategies, refined fracture models, and customized maintenance frameworks to mitigate long-term deterioration in BLTS. The study contributes actionable insights for engineers and decision-makers aiming to enhance durability, optimize maintenance cycles, and ensure safety in railway infrastructure using ballastless track technology

"Crack Initiation, Propagation, and Residual Life Assessment of RCC Elements in Ballastless Track Systems", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.e934-e945, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511517.pdf

"Crack Initiation, Propagation, and Residual Life Assessment of RCC Elements in Ballastless Track Systems", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppe934-e945, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511517.pdf