Influence of track foundation on the performance of ballast and concrete slab tracks under cyclic loading: Physical modelling and numerical model calibration

A. Ramos*, A. Gomes Correia, R. Calçada, P. Alves Costa, A. Esen, P. K. Woodward, D. P. Connolly, O. Laghrouche

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)
188 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Ballast and slab railway track structures are constructed from different materials, thus requiring different maintenance strategies. Therefore, this paper compares the settlement performance of both structures using laboratory experiments, and calibrates numerical models based upon the results. Firstly, a comparison of the short and long-term behaviour of ballasted and slab tracks under cyclic loading is performed at full-scale. Both tracks have the same track foundation but a different track superstructure, and are subject to 3 million cycles of loading. The results are used to develop and calibrate the short-term response of a 3D finite element model of both track structures. They are also used to calibrate an empirical permanent deformation model for the track foundation, where the number of load cycles and stresses are the main inputs. A strong agreement is found between the numerical and experimental results. This justifies the track modelling approach in predicting the long-term behaviour of track structures where the subgrade is influential.

Original languageEnglish
Article number122245
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume277
Early online date26 Jan 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Concrete slab track
  • Cyclic track testing
  • Numerical model calibration
  • Railroad ballast track
  • Railway physical modelling
  • Settlement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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