Ballast Compaction Considerations 125 6. PRESENT PRACnCE OF BALLAST RELATED TRACK CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE 129 Track Evaluation 130 Track Renewal134 Rails and Ties 137 Ballast Cleaning 139 Ballast Distribution and Shaping 142 · Surfacing, Lining, and Tamping 143 6. 7 Ballast Compaction 151 7.