A comparison of ground vibration due to ballasted and slab tracks

Evangelos Ntotsios,David J Thompson,Mohammed F.M Hussein

doi:10.1016/j.trgeo.2019.100256

Evangelos Ntotsios, David J Thompson + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2019.100256

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Abstract

Abstract With the development of non-ballasted track forms (often referred to as slab tracks) over the few last decades, it is important to understand their behaviour with respect to ground-borne vibration compared with the traditional ballasted tracks. This is important in deciding between the use of the two track forms. The present work aims to quantify the differences between slab tracks and ballasted tracks numerically by using the MOTIV model. This is a general and fully coupled three-dimensional model that works in the wavenumber-frequency domain. It can predict the vibration levels of the track and the ground due to the gravitational loading of a passing train and the wheel and rail unevenness. A comparative analysis between the two track types is presented in terms of ground vibration with emphasis given to the influence of the stiffness and inertial parameters of the two track forms. It is shown that, for the same fastener stiffness there are only small differences in ground vibration behaviour, with the mass of the track slab leading to reductions of 1–3 dB at frequencies above 16 Hz. However, if softer rail fasteners are used in the slab track, as is usual, this leads to further reductions above 63 Hz. The critical velocity on soft soil is also considered. Although there is little difference between the different tracks for a homogeneous ground, for grounds with a soft surface layer the critical velocity is increased by the slab bending stiffness. The maximum rail displacement is also smaller for a slab track than the equivalent ballasted track.

Highlights

Railway track systems are under continuous development and many different structural forms have been introduced to fulfil different specifications
Slab tracks are increasingly being installed in different situations worldwide and, they are more expensive to construct than ballasted track, they provide the desired long-term stability and rigidity for high speeds and good lateral and longitudinal resistance
The aim of this paper is to study numerically the comparative performance in terms of ground-borne vibration of slab tracks and ballasted tracks located at the ground surface

Summary

Introduction

Railway track systems are under continuous development and many different structural forms have been introduced to fulfil different specifications. For over a hundred years conventional railway track was constructed with transverse sleepers laid on crushed stone (ballast). The main weakness of ballasted track is the need for regular maintenance especially as the train speeds increase [1]. Driven mainly by the need to reduce maintenance costs, non-ballasted tracks were introduced from the 1960s and installed in tunnels and on bridges and viaducts. In order to accommodate the higher dynamic loading associated with high speed operation (for speeds greater than 200 km/h), non-ballasted tracks have been introduced in high-speed lines. Slab tracks are increasingly being installed in different situations worldwide and, they are more expensive to construct than ballasted track, they provide the desired long-term stability and rigidity for high speeds and good lateral and longitudinal resistance. A review of slab track systems with some further discussion of the design procedures and criteria, life-cycle costs, and implications for noise has been presented in [2]

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