Characteristics of train passages over slab tracks from measurements and different track–soil models: Damage detection and ground vibration reduction

Abstract

The characteristics of train passages over intact or damaged slab tracks on different soils have been calculated by the finite-element boundary-element method or the wavenumber-domain method. The influence of track and soil parameters on the distribution of track displacements and soil forces has been analysed. The measured and calculated displacement time histories of train passages could be used to identify track damages such as loose sleepers or a loose track plate. The time histories and spectra of soil forces can explain the measured ground vibration reduction in the slab tracks. The calculated displacement and force distributions of slab tracks on continuous soils do not fulfil the Winkler hypothesis, and Winkler models should not be used for track analysis.