An inversion method for evaluating ballastless track degradation based on multi-channel analysis of surface wave

Abstract

Due to the heterogeneous properties of constituent materials, traditional Multi-channel analysis of surface wave (MASW) method is unsuitable for evaluating ballastless track as surface waves exhibit different dispersion patterns. To overcome this limitation, firstly, the implementation process of MASW was introduced, and the phase shift method was employed to perform dispersion analysis of multi-channel surface wave signals. Secondly, a wave field solution model of ballastless track was established using the time-domain finite-difference method. Subsequently, the stiffness matrix method was improved to account for the heterogeneous properties of the constituent materials and to calculate the theoretical surface wave dispersion curve of ballastless track, followed by the analysis of surface wave dispersion characteristics in ballastless track and the proposal of an inversion method. Finally, the optimal excitation central frequency and receivers’ deployment were analyzed in the MASW method, and the inversion analysis of ballastless track degradation were conducted. Results shown that the surface wave dispersion curve is more sensitive to CA mortar degradation at low frequencies and concrete slab degradation at high frequencies. Appropriate excitation central frequency and receivers’ deployment are essential for accurately extracting the surface wave dispersion curve from the dispersion energy of ballastless tracks. The inversion method proposed in this study provides a more accurate evaluation of ballastless track degradation compared to assuming ballastless track as a homogeneous structure during inversion analysis.