This research initially investigates the mechanical behavior of fresh and fully deteriorated (used) ballast grain assemblies through a combination of laboratory experiments and discrete element modeling (DEM). The extended Los Angeles abrasion (LAA) test generated the used ballast grains at which a fouling index (FI) of 40 %, while fresh ballast grains serve as the reference material. suggest that used ballast grains mobilize local friction less efficiently than fresh ballast grains, potentially impacting the lateral strength properties of ballasted tracks. This study provides valuable insights into the behavior of used and fresh ballast grains, serving as a foundation for further investigations.