Abstract
The interface crack of a slab track is a fracture of mixed-mode that experiences a complex loading–unloading–reloading process. A reasonable simulation of the interaction between the layers of slab tracks is the key to studying the interface crack. However, the existing models of interface disease of slab track have problems, such as the stress oscillation of the crack tip and self-repairing, which do not simulate the mixed mode of interface cracks accurately. Aiming at these shortcomings, we propose an improved cohesive zone model combined with an unloading/reloading relationship based on the original Park–Paulino–Roesler (PPR) model in this paper. It is shown that the improved model guaranteed the consistency of the cohesive constitutive model and described the mixed-mode fracture better. This conclusion is based on the assessment of work-of-separation and the simulation of the mixed-mode bending test. Through the test of loading, unloading, and reloading, we observed that the improved unloading/reloading relationship effectively eliminated the issue of self-repairing and preserved all essential features. The proposed model provides a tool for the study of interface cracking mechanism of ballastless tracks and theoretical guidance for the monitoring, maintenance, and repair of layer defects, such as interfacial cracks and slab arches.
Highlights
Chinese railway track systems (CRTS) have successfully served for more than 10 years in China’s high-speed railway (CRH) and have performed well during the period
The track directly undertakes the effects of the cyclic loads from the high-speed train and environmental temperature, which increases the possibility of interface cracking
Spring et al [38] noted that the unloading/reloading relationship, which was commonly utilized in conjunction with the PPR model, produced self-healing behavior when the crack underwent unloading/reloading
Summary
Chinese railway track systems (CRTS) have successfully served for more than 10 years in China’s high-speed railway (CRH) and have performed well during the period. The track directly undertakes the effects of the cyclic loads from the high-speed train and environmental temperature, which increases the possibility of interface cracking. Spring et al [38] noted that the unloading/reloading relationship, which was commonly utilized in conjunction with the PPR model, produced self-healing behavior when the crack underwent unloading/reloading. To address this issue, a new coupled unloading/reloading relationship, which maintained the thermodynamic consistency of. The modeling method of connections between the layers of the slab track as proposed in this paper can contribute to the mechanism of high-speed railway (HSR) interlayer defects, on-site monitoring, inspection, and maintenance.
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