Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Transportation and Future Mobility".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2023) | Viewed by 25595

Special Issue Editors

National Engineering Laboratory of High Speed Railway Construction Technology, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Interests: prefabricated building construction; high speed highway systems; earthquake engineering; high-rise buildings; construction robot technology
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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, 68 South Shaoshan Road, Changsha 410075, China
Interests: high speed railway; structural engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

In recent years, high-speed railways have been put into operation on a large scale worldwide. With the increase in vehicle speed, the dynamic problems of vehicle–track systems have become more prominent, seriously affecting the safety and comfort of vehicle operation. In addition, under the dynamic action of vehicles and the influence of natural environmental factors, such as rain, snow, temperature, and earthquakes, tracks inevitably produce residual deformation and stiffness degradation. These structural changes lead to the deterioration of track smoothness, and even derailment of vehicles. An accurate description of the distribution characteristics of track irregularity is not only the basis of dynamic analysis for vehicle–track systems, but also an important reference for railway design, maintenance, and quality evaluation.

Recent research has greatly promoted our understanding of track systems and vehicle–track dynamics. Advanced vibration reduction and isolation measures have been adopted to improve the safety and comfort of vehicle operation. This Special Issue aims to summarize recent progress in experiment and numerical analysis for track systems and vehicle–track dynamics.

Topics covered:

  • Vehicle–track coupling analysis for high-speed railway, maglev, and metro
  • Seismic damage mapping mechanism, cross-fault analysis
  • Probability-based vulnerability and risk analysis for track and vehicle
  • Simplified modeling method for track and vehicle
  • Hybrid simulation for vehicle–track coupling systems
  • Vibration reduction and isolation measures for track and vehicle
  • Research on post-earthquake intelligent operation and maintenance
  • Analysis of track irregularity caused by environmental factors, including rain, snow, temperature, and earthquakes
  • Technology and equipment used in track irregularity monitoring
  • Repair, retrofit technology, and resilience assessment for track systems

Prof. Dr. Wei Guo
Dr. Wangbao Zhou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • track systems
  • vehicle–track dynamics
  • high-speed railways

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 10983 KiB  
Article
Influence of Uneven Subgrade Frost Heave on Deformation and Damage of CRTSIII Slab Track
by Hongge Wang, Hong Xiao, Xuhao Cui, Shusheng Yang, Mahantesh M. Nadakatti and Qiang Guo
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5345; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095345 - 25 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1133
Abstract
The problem of uneven frost heave deformation of high-speed railway subgrade in seasonal freezing areas seriously affects the service state and service life of slab track structures and threatens the safe operation of high-speed vehicles. Based on the damage plasticity theory of concrete, [...] Read more.
The problem of uneven frost heave deformation of high-speed railway subgrade in seasonal freezing areas seriously affects the service state and service life of slab track structures and threatens the safe operation of high-speed vehicles. Based on the damage plasticity theory of concrete, in this study, an analytical model is established for CRTSIII slab track with damage plasticity and reinforcement. The influences of various frost heaving parameters on track structure deformation, interlayer seam, as well as the stress and damage behaviors were analyzed in detail. The results show that, as compared with a linear elastic model, the damage plastic model better reflects the softening behavior and stress attenuation of track structure concrete after reaching its tensile strength. The deformation and the interlayer seam reach their maximum values when the frost heaving wave peak acts at the position that is one-sixth of the base length from the edge of the concrete base. When the frost heaving wave peak acts on grooves at the base center, initially, the track structure is seriously damaged. The interlayer seam and damage decrease with an increase in frost heaving wavelength and increase with an increase in frost heaving wave amplitude. The interlayer seam of the track structure is more sensitive to frost heave deformation having a wavelength of less than 10 m. The extent of damage to the concrete base gradually increases with a decrease in the wave/amplitude ratio. It undergoes three stages of damage evolution: (i) no damage, (ii) upper surface bending damage, (iii) reverse bending damage. In order to improve efficiency, it is recommended, during track maintenance, to focus on the position of the central groove of the base and the position that is one-sixth of the base length from the edge of the concrete base. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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13 pages, 2912 KiB  
Article
Method for Determining the Susceptibility of the Track
by Jerzy Kisilowski and Rafał Kowalik
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12534; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412534 - 7 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 932
Abstract
This paper discusses real-world experiments in which selected ground imperfections were dynamically analysed in terms of track susceptibility for a linear and non-linear system. The imperfections included wheel pressure on local ground irregularities within the railway turnout. In this study, susceptibility was assumed [...] Read more.
This paper discusses real-world experiments in which selected ground imperfections were dynamically analysed in terms of track susceptibility for a linear and non-linear system. The imperfections included wheel pressure on local ground irregularities within the railway turnout. In this study, susceptibility was assumed as an element between two points (two masses)—most often susceptibility is assumed as a Voigt model (parallel combination of stiffness and damping). The tests were carried out for two configurations of train passage through a railway turnout on straight and diverging track. The track stiffness parameters of the railway turnout were determined from deflection measurements measured by sensors positioned at different points of the turnout. The components of the railway turnout were loaded with different forces. The damping parameter was determined from bench measurements of the actual track component. The function describing this damping is dry friction and such a function was determined. The second part of the study was concerned with measurements of stiffness and moments of inertia in a railway switchyard. The analysis carried out indicated the significance of the adverse effects of selected factors on the operation of the railway track (e.g., increasing the length of non-contact of the track with the ground or additional deflections of the railway track rail arising). The paper points out that such imperfections, in addition to the calculated additional deflections, cause, among other things, disturbances in the progressive movement of the rolling stock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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19 pages, 6417 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Derailment at the Guardrail Position of Turnout and a Reasonable Guardrail Interval Limit
by Pu Wang, Shuguo Wang and Zhenhua Zhao
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(17), 8496; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12178496 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Recently, derailments have been occurring frequently at the guardrail position of double-slip turnouts. In order to provide a theoretical basis for effectively avoiding derailment at the guardrail position of turnouts, this study presented a derailment mechanism, discussed the rationality of the current guardrail [...] Read more.
Recently, derailments have been occurring frequently at the guardrail position of double-slip turnouts. In order to provide a theoretical basis for effectively avoiding derailment at the guardrail position of turnouts, this study presented a derailment mechanism, discussed the rationality of the current guardrail interval limit and its calculation method, and proposed a method for calculating the guardrail interval limit based on the vehicle running attitude and wheelset angle of attack. Based on the established calculation model, this paper calculated the guardrail interval limit for the main types of single turnouts and double-slip turnouts in China, and studied the main factors influencing the interval limit and corresponding patterns. The following conclusions were drawn. (1) In actual maintenance, it suggested to set the guardrail interval limit at 1365 mm, which can meet the requirements of the most turnouts and avoid wear incurred by vehicle–track interactions at the opening section of guardrails and derailment. (2) For single turnouts, the required guardrail interval limit becomes smaller with the decrease of the frog number, radius of the lead curve, and the increase in gage width. Further, the interval limit decreases when the endpoints of the lead curve and gage widening become closer to the buffer segment at the toe end of the guardrail. Adopting straight-track design at the restoring segment of gage widening is more likely to cause a larger twisting angle of the bogie than a curved-track design, and larger twisting angle means requiring a smaller guardrail interval limit. (3) For double-slip turnouts, the required guardrail interval limit is reduced with the decrease in the frog number and increase in gage width. The broken rail comprising the switch rail and stock rail in front of the guardrail can also enable the bogie to approach or reach the inscribing state, resulting in a negative impact not smaller than that produced by a curved rail. The larger the attack angle at the tip of the switch rail and the closer the tip of the switch rail and the end of gage widening to the buffer segment of the guardrail, the smaller the guardrail interval limit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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29 pages, 14758 KiB  
Article
Modernization of Heavy Loaded Tram Radial Effect on Noise and Vibration
by Zuzana Papánová, Daniel Papán, Libor Ižvolt and Peter Dobeš
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 6947; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12146947 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1796
Abstract
The noise and vibration that cause deterioration of comfort at specific locations can be reduced by modernisation of tram lines in some large cities where dense development surrounds tram lines. The paper deals with the impact of noise and vibration produced by tram [...] Read more.
The noise and vibration that cause deterioration of comfort at specific locations can be reduced by modernisation of tram lines in some large cities where dense development surrounds tram lines. The paper deals with the impact of noise and vibration produced by tram traffic. Its aim was to verify whether the modernisation of one of the busiest tram lines in the capital of Slovakia had an impact on the reduction of noise and vibration emissions arising in its surroundings. The paper analysed experimental measurements conducted at the busiest locations of the studied tram line, focusing on the parameters LAeq and vrms. The methodology for reducing the adverse effects of noise and vibration is based on the modernisation of the tramway line, characterised in detail in the paper. The presentation and analysis of the measurement results are followed by conclusions that underline the importance of reducing noise and vibration emissions generated by tram traffic by modernising the tram line network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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14 pages, 3119 KiB  
Article
Influence of Fastener Failure on Dynamic Performance of Subway Vehicle
by Tao Zhan, Yuan Yao, Jinping Li, Xiang Liu and Yulin Feng
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6769; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136769 - 4 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1438
Abstract
The track fasteners may be damaged by fatigue and impact load during long-term subway operation, resulting in the failure of the connecting components between the rail and the track plate, and the spacing of rail support becomes larger, resulting in an increase in [...] Read more.
The track fasteners may be damaged by fatigue and impact load during long-term subway operation, resulting in the failure of the connecting components between the rail and the track plate, and the spacing of rail support becomes larger, resulting in an increase in its dynamic deformation, affecting the subway vehicle’s running performance, and, in severe cases, endangering the vehicle’s running safety. A vehicle-subway track system model was created to study the running performance of subway vehicles when fasteners failed. A multi-rigid, body spring damping system is used to describe the vehicle system. The model for the track system is created using the finite element method (FEM), and the vehicle dynamic performances under various fastener failure scenarios are calculated, as well as the vehicle’s running comfort and safety in various scenarios. The findings show that fastener failure has little impact on the vehicle’s running comfort but it has a significant impact on the vehicle’s wheel unloading ratio. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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16 pages, 4952 KiB  
Article
Influence of Metro Track Irregularities on Pantograph Vibration and Its Interaction with Catenary
by Bolun An, Pu Wang, Shuai Ma, Zhuoran Ma, Yanglong Zhong and Wenqiang Zhao
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6435; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136435 - 24 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1394
Abstract
The problem of excessive wear of pantograph strips frequently occurs on China’s Z City Metro Line 1. After on-site investigation and analysis by the metro operating company, it was speculated that the problem was related to abnormal track irregularities. Therefore, taking Z City [...] Read more.
The problem of excessive wear of pantograph strips frequently occurs on China’s Z City Metro Line 1. After on-site investigation and analysis by the metro operating company, it was speculated that the problem was related to abnormal track irregularities. Therefore, taking Z City Metro Line 1 as the main research object, the measured track irregularity of the whole line was analyzed and compared with other typical track spectra, and a track-vehicle-pantograph-catenary coupling dynamics model was established to analyze the relationship between the pantograph-catenary dynamic characteristics and the track irregularity. The two frequency ranges of the track irregularity that have a significant impact on the pantograph-catenary contact were found. Finally, after numerical calculation and analysis, it is recommended to focus on the irregularities with the two wavelength ranges of 9~16 m and 3~4 m in the maintenance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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23 pages, 6753 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Response of Spatial Train-Track-Bridge Interaction System Due to Unsupported Track Using Virtual Work Principle
by Hongyin Yang, Nanhao Wu, Wei Zhang, Zhangjun Liu, Jianfeng Fan and Changjun Wang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 6156; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12126156 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1405
Abstract
An improved spatial vehicle–track–bridge interaction system considering the unsupported track is proposed using the virtual work principle. When the track fails to be supported due to the defects under the track, the corresponding bridge–rail connection coupled matrix should be removed. Using the proposed [...] Read more.
An improved spatial vehicle–track–bridge interaction system considering the unsupported track is proposed using the virtual work principle. When the track fails to be supported due to the defects under the track, the corresponding bridge–rail connection coupled matrix should be removed. Using the proposed dynamic model, a novel numerical analysis of the unilateral and bilateral unsupported sleepers in the bridge and the subgrade is carried out. The results indicate that the wheel–rail contact force changes dramatically when the vehicles pass through the unsupported track. The unsupported track has a little effect on the displacement of the bridge, but it increases the acceleration of the bridge. The displacement and acceleration of the track increase significantly with the expansion of the supported defects under the track and the increase of driving speed. For unilateral unsupported sleepers, the dynamic response on the unsupported side is slightly smaller than that of the bilateral unsupported sleeper, while the unsupported side has a limited effect on the other side of the normal support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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21 pages, 5590 KiB  
Article
Wavelet Time-Frequency Analysis on Bridge Resonance in Train-Track-Bridge Interactive System
by Zhaozhi Wu, Nan Zhang, Jinbao Yao and Vladimir Poliakov
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5929; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12125929 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1339
Abstract
With the continuous improvement in the operation speed of trains, the impact of train–induced vibration through the track on the bridge is increasingly prominent. In particular, when the loading frequency is the same as or close to the natural frequency of the bridge, [...] Read more.
With the continuous improvement in the operation speed of trains, the impact of train–induced vibration through the track on the bridge is increasingly prominent. In particular, when the loading frequency is the same as or close to the natural frequency of the bridge, the resonant response of the bridge will be activated, which will probably endanger the safety of the operation and the bridge structure. Normally, the traditional method to indicate the appearance of resonant response is to analyze the frequency spectrum of the response through the Fourier transform from its time history. However, it can simply reflect the contribution of different frequency components within a stationary window. Therefore, continuous wavelet transform is adopted on a 2D train–track–bridge interactive system in this article. It illustrates the evolutionary characteristics of different frequencies from the input excitation to the output response during the bridge resonance in the time–frequency domain, compared with the cases when the bridge is nonresonant. Finally, the article demonstrates the feasibility of the method. It concludes that the resonance and quasi–resonance–triggering band accounts for the highly intensified bridge response, while the staggering domination between the steady-state and the transient response is the main phenomenon for the nonresonant bridge. Additionally, within the low–frequency band, the resonant bridge will have a more significant impact on the track subsystem than the train subsystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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21 pages, 25983 KiB  
Article
Structural Damage Identification Based on Variable-Length Elements and an Improved Genetic Algorithm for Railway Bridges
by Hongyin Yang, Wei Zhang, Aixin Zhang, Nanhao Wu and Zhangjun Liu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5706; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115706 - 3 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1375
Abstract
A new damage identification method is proposed to solve the problem of no correspondence between the element division form of the finite element model and the actual damage location. The three basic operators in the traditional genetic algorithm are improved, and the catastrophe [...] Read more.
A new damage identification method is proposed to solve the problem of no correspondence between the element division form of the finite element model and the actual damage location. The three basic operators in the traditional genetic algorithm are improved, and the catastrophe and neighborhood search processes are introduced to enhance the local optimization ability of the algorithm. The train–rail–bridge coupling time-varying equation is established. Based on the dynamic response of the bridge under trainload, the damage index is constructed, and the corresponding objective function is given. Through a numerical example, the stability and convergence rate of the algorithm are statistically analyzed. The effects of noise, the number of measuring points, and train speed on the recognition results are discussed. The research results indicate that, even if the damage location is different from the element division form of the finite element model, this method can accurately locate the damage location, but it will affect the quantitative results to a certain extent. In addition, the convergence speed of this method is fast, and the computing efficiency is about 6.7 times that of the conventional one-time recognition method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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22 pages, 16689 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Track Irregularity in Front of the Turnout on the Dynamic Performance of Vehicles
by Wenhao Chang, Xiaopei Cai, Qihao Wang, Xueyang Tang, Jialin Sun and Fei Yang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4169; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094169 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2161
Abstract
While the track irregularity in turnout areas has a significant impact on wheel-rail contact, driving safety, and stability, the impact of track irregularity in front of the incoming turnout on vehicles is often overlooked. This paper fills the gaps in the study. As [...] Read more.
While the track irregularity in turnout areas has a significant impact on wheel-rail contact, driving safety, and stability, the impact of track irregularity in front of the incoming turnout on vehicles is often overlooked. This paper fills the gaps in the study. As a result, a rigid-flexible coupled dynamic model of the vehicle and turnout is developed. The effect of various irregularities in front of the turnout on the dynamic performance of a vehicle at high speeds has been investigated based on a random sampling method. The results show that different types of track irregularities in front of the turnout have different effects on the dynamic responses of vehicles. The vehicle dynamic performance is most sensitive to short-wavelength (3 m) irregularities in front of the turnout. The alignment irregularity with long-wavelength (40 m) has a significant effect on the wheelset lateral force and lateral acceleration of the vehicle body, caused by two-point contact between the wheel and rail. The frequency range of the effect of the irregularities on the wheel-rail force, safety indicators, and accelerations of the vehicle is mainly below 200 Hz, 50 Hz, and 20 Hz. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of different irregularities is conducted, as well as a quantitative reflection on the effect of the irregularity on the dynamic indicators, providing a reference for maintenance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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15 pages, 2954 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Impact Factor and Resonance Analysis of Curved Intercity Railway Viaduct
by Jun Wang, Chenxing Cui, Xiang Liu and Mingjie Wang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 2978; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12062978 - 15 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
A viaduct is an important structural form in intercity railway networks, and the curved bridge is inevitable in railway line network planning. When the vehicles cross through the curved bridge, the transverse load experienced by the bridge is much larger than that of [...] Read more.
A viaduct is an important structural form in intercity railway networks, and the curved bridge is inevitable in railway line network planning. When the vehicles cross through the curved bridge, the transverse load experienced by the bridge is much larger than that of the straight bridge due to the centrifugal forces. Therefore, in the bridge resonance analysis, in addition to the vertical moving vehicle load, it is also imperative to consider the radial vehicle load. In order to systematically analyze the dynamic impact factor (or dynamic load allowance) and resonance conditions of the curved intercity railway viaduct, a numerical model is developed. The reliability of the proposed model is assessed by comparing it with the existing literature. Taking the curved viaduct of Zhengzhou-Xuchang railway as a case study, the theoretical resonance velocity, dynamic impact factor, and dynamic time-history response under resonance velocity are calculated. The parameters of different spans, curve radius, and speeds are analyzed, and the reasonable ranges of bridge natural vibration frequency are determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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16 pages, 5318 KiB  
Article
An Effective Tangent Stiffness of Train–Track–Bridge Systems Based on Artificial Neural Network
by Quan Gu, Jinghao Pan, Yongdou Liu, Minhong Fu and Jianguo Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2735; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052735 - 7 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
Dynamic response analysis of a train–track–bridge (TTB) system is a challenging task for researchers and engineers, partially due to the complicated nature of the wheel–rail interaction (WRI). When Newton’s method is used to solve implicit nonlinear finite element equations of a TTB system, [...] Read more.
Dynamic response analysis of a train–track–bridge (TTB) system is a challenging task for researchers and engineers, partially due to the complicated nature of the wheel–rail interaction (WRI). When Newton’s method is used to solve implicit nonlinear finite element equations of a TTB system, consistent tangent stiffness (CTS) is essential to guarantee the quadratic convergence rate. However, the derivation and software implementation of CTS for the WRI element require significant efforts. Artificial neural network (ANN) can directly obtain a potentially good tangent stiffness by a trained relationship between input nodal displacement/velocity and output tangent stiffness. In this paper, the backpropagation neural-network-based tangent stiffness (BPTS) of the WRI element is derived and implemented into a general finite element software, OpenSees, and verified by dynamic response analysis of a high-speed train running on a seven span simply supported beam bridge. The accuracy and efficiency are compared between the use of BPTS and CTS. The results demonstrate that BPTS can not only save the significant efforts of deriving and software implementing CTS but also improve computational efficiency while ensuring good accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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18 pages, 7404 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Service Performance of Heavy Axle Load Ballasted Railway by Using Numerical Simulation Method
by Shuang Tian, Xianzhang Ling, Ting Li, Andrew Chan and Ionut-Razvan Georgescu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2539; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052539 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1632
Abstract
To evaluate the service performance of the track substructure of heavy axle load (HAL) railway transportation, an inverse analysis was performed to estimate the resilient modulus values of the track substructure, based on the deflection data obtained from light falling weight deflectometer testing. [...] Read more.
To evaluate the service performance of the track substructure of heavy axle load (HAL) railway transportation, an inverse analysis was performed to estimate the resilient modulus values of the track substructure, based on the deflection data obtained from light falling weight deflectometer testing. Subsequently, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed to simulate the effect of the train speeds (v) and axle loads (F) on the typical dynamic responses in the railway track system. The results convincingly indicated that increasing v or F can amplify the track vibration. Finally, a critical stress ratio method was adopted to evaluate the service performance based on the numerical results. A recommended range of v and F was determined to maintain the long-term stability of the HAL railway line. The findings can provide guidance for designing the track and maintenance plans to avoid track support failures and ensure track infrastructure resiliency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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20 pages, 3249 KiB  
Article
Applicability Study on Modified Argillaceous Slate as Subgrade Filling for High-Speed Railway
by Ping Hu, Wei Guo and Limin Wei
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12042227 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1184
Abstract
Modifying weathered argillaceous slate (WAS) to fill the subgrades of high-speed railways not only leads to obvious environmental benefits but also significantly saves natural resources. Previous studies have used several additives together with cement/quicklime. Using cement/quicklime as an additive would also improve the [...] Read more.
Modifying weathered argillaceous slate (WAS) to fill the subgrades of high-speed railways not only leads to obvious environmental benefits but also significantly saves natural resources. Previous studies have used several additives together with cement/quicklime. Using cement/quicklime as an additive would also improve the strength of weathered soft rock. Therefore, cement/quicklime can be used effectively as a sustainable solution. To illustrate the feasibility of cement/quicklime in WAS improvement, the mineral components and physical, mechanical and hydraulic characters for cement/quicklime-modified WAS were investigated via laboratory test. The dynamic behaviors were then analyzed by establishing a 3D vertical coupling dynamic model and performing dynamic triaxial tests. After mixing cement/quicklime, the following was proved: (1) The particles were coarsened, the content of kaolinite and amorphous phase increased, and the content of muscovite decreased, resulting in weakened hydrophilicity, reduced plasticity and enhanced water stability; (2) Mechanical and deformation characters were enhanced, reflecting an unconfined compression strength of quicklime/cement-modified soil greater than 0.5 MPa and elastic deformation for the subgrade of less than 0.1 mm; (3) For the quicklime-modified WAS, the dynamic strength was below the allowable value, and the sample disintegrated in water in 2 min, indicating it to be unsuitable for subgrade filling in HSR; (4) For cement-modified WAS, the water stability and dynamic strength were improved greatly, as well as the static strength. The sum of results highlights that 5% cement-modified WAS is recommended for filling subgrades of HSR for comprehensive factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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15 pages, 2534 KiB  
Article
Identification of Track Stability Model Parameters Based on Numerical Experiments
by Dorota Błaszkiewicz-Juszczęć, Włodzimierz Czyczuła and Dariusz Kudła
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020570 - 7 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1114
Abstract
In the article, an identification method of railway track stability model parameters based on energy equilibrium is presented by the authors. A study of two parameters directly influencing the continuous welded track (CWR) stability is described by the authors, i.e., the rail-sleeper structure [...] Read more.
In the article, an identification method of railway track stability model parameters based on energy equilibrium is presented by the authors. A study of two parameters directly influencing the continuous welded track (CWR) stability is described by the authors, i.e., the rail-sleeper structure stiffness Bz is considered one beam, and the ballast lateral resistance r0. These parameters were estimated with the use of a numerical model for various railway track types. The adopted concept is based on the assumption that it is possible to determine substitute values for both parameters. Therefore, using one value of both of these parameters, we label them substitute parameters. The assumed numerical model forced lateral displacements of a track section, and, based on the obtained track section displacement results, energy equilibrium was determined. The equilibrium takes into account the work of external load and the bending work of rail-sleeper structure with the substitute stiffness Bz and the ballast deformation work, also with the substitute value of lateral resistance r0 with lateral displacement. The aim is to identify these substitute values to be used for analysing track stability with the semi-analytical model. These analyses are part of the studies related to the development of a method of assessing various methods of increasing track stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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20 pages, 5534 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties and Structural Optimization of Continuous Welded Rail on Super-Long-Span Suspension Bridges for High-Speed Railway
by Guanyuan Zhao, Xiaopei Cai, Wanli Liu, Tielin Wang and Tao Wang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010305 - 29 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1666
Abstract
In order to ensure driving safety and comfort, it is necessary to figure out the complex interaction between continuous welded rail (CWR) and suspension bridges for high-speed railway. A spatial finite element model for a 1092 m main span suspension bridge was established [...] Read more.
In order to ensure driving safety and comfort, it is necessary to figure out the complex interaction between continuous welded rail (CWR) and suspension bridges for high-speed railway. A spatial finite element model for a 1092 m main span suspension bridge was established based on the bridge-track interaction theory. A specific correction method was put forward to keep the rail in a zero-stress state when just laid. Three rail expansion joint (REJ) layout schemes were proposed according to practical engineering experience. Both static and dynamic analysis methods were used to evaluate the feasibility of these schemes. The results show that the REJ should be laid at the position with a distance away from the primary beam end, and the beam with more substantial integral stiffness should be preferentially selected. For the recommended scheme, the REJ expansion reaches more than 380 mm under expansion load. The factors affecting the REJ expansion from major to minor are temperature, earthquake, rail fracture, braking, and bending load. The superposition effect of the above factors is suggested to be considered in the selection of REJ range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Track System and Railway Vehicle Dynamics Analysis)
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