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Volume 16
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10.3390/app16020632
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Article

Multi-Layer Stiffness Matching of Ballastless Track for Passenger and Freight Railways: An Evaluation Method Based on Multi-Dimensional Parameter Fusion

by
Weibin Liu
1,*,
Jijun Wang
1,
Weitao Cui
2,
Wenda Qin
2,
Ruohan Yin
2,
Chen Hua
2,
Moyan Zhang
1 and
Yanglong Zhong
2,*
1
Railway Engineering Research Institute, China Academy of Railway Sciences Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081, China
2
School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020632
Submission received: 28 November 2025 / Revised: 25 December 2025 / Accepted: 31 December 2025 / Published: 7 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Acoustics and Vibrations)
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Featured Application

The proposed multi-layer stiffness matching method helps optimize ballastless track design for mixed passenger–freight railways. By integrating multi-dimensional dynamic indicators, it supports engineers in selecting stiffness combinations that balance passenger comfort, freight safety, and structural durability. The approach can be directly applied to design, maintenance, and retrofit decisions for 200 km/h mixed-traffic railway lines.

Abstract

To address the insufficient multi-layer optimization of fastener and cushion stiffness in ballastless tracks for mixed passenger and freight railways, a vehicle–track coupled dynamic model is developed, and the effects of individual and combined stiffness parameters on track and vehicle dynamics are systematically analyzed. Based on this model, a multi-dimensional stiffness matching approach is proposed to determine appropriate stiffness ranges for mixed-use railways. Results indicate that fastener stiffness primarily affects the local dynamic response of the rail, whereas cushion stiffness has a stronger influence on overall track performance. When the damping pad stiffness exceeds 600 MPa/m, the fastener force increases sharply, posing a risk of accelerated structural deterioration. Differences in axle load and speed between passenger and freight trains induce distinct excitation patterns, leading to nonlinear variations in interlayer forces. The optimal stiffness combination is 50 kN/mm for fasteners and 600 MPa/m for damping pads under passenger conditions, and 40 kN/mm and 600 MPa/m, respectively, under freight conditions. Considering the operational requirements of mixed lines, a fastener stiffness of 40–50 kN/mm and a damping pad stiffness of 600 MPa/m are recommended. This study provides theoretical support for stiffness design and parameter optimization in ballastless tracks for mixed-use railways.
Keywords: mixed passenger and freight lines; ballastless track; vehicle–track dynamics; multidimensional parameter fusion; stiffness matching mixed passenger and freight lines; ballastless track; vehicle–track dynamics; multidimensional parameter fusion; stiffness matching

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Liu, W.; Wang, J.; Cui, W.; Qin, W.; Yin, R.; Hua, C.; Zhang, M.; Zhong, Y. Multi-Layer Stiffness Matching of Ballastless Track for Passenger and Freight Railways: An Evaluation Method Based on Multi-Dimensional Parameter Fusion. Appl. Sci. 2026, 16, 632. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020632

AMA Style

Liu W, Wang J, Cui W, Qin W, Yin R, Hua C, Zhang M, Zhong Y. Multi-Layer Stiffness Matching of Ballastless Track for Passenger and Freight Railways: An Evaluation Method Based on Multi-Dimensional Parameter Fusion. Applied Sciences. 2026; 16(2):632. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020632

Chicago/Turabian Style

Liu, Weibin, Jijun Wang, Weitao Cui, Wenda Qin, Ruohan Yin, Chen Hua, Moyan Zhang, and Yanglong Zhong. 2026. "Multi-Layer Stiffness Matching of Ballastless Track for Passenger and Freight Railways: An Evaluation Method Based on Multi-Dimensional Parameter Fusion" Applied Sciences 16, no. 2: 632. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020632

APA Style

Liu, W., Wang, J., Cui, W., Qin, W., Yin, R., Hua, C., Zhang, M., & Zhong, Y. (2026). Multi-Layer Stiffness Matching of Ballastless Track for Passenger and Freight Railways: An Evaluation Method Based on Multi-Dimensional Parameter Fusion. Applied Sciences, 16(2), 632. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020632

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