Early warping deformation of high-speed railway CRTS III track slabs

Abstract

Excessive flatness deviation issues in the track slabs of railway tracks make it difficult to achieve precise adjustments for both the track slabs and rails. This study aimed to analyze the deviation in flatness of the high-speed railway CRTS III track slabs. Experimental measurements were conducted on the warping deformation of the track slabs before water curing during the maintenance period. Six improved designs were implemented for the steaming process and structural construction. A numerical model was established to predict the warping deformation of the track slab before water curing, considering the temperature and humidity fields as driving forces. Using the sequential coupling method, the warping deformation of CRTS III track slab was calculated under the combined action of temperature field, shrinkage strain field, and prestressed tendons. Based on the results, it is concluded that: (1) High-temperature steam curing of the track slab increases the effective maintenance time and accelerates its strengthening rate. (2) Early shrinkage of the track slab is the primary factor causing warping deformation. (3) During the steam curing period, the warping deformation of the track slab can be controlled economically and effectively by employing secondary water spraying and presetting a reverse arch of 0.5 mm–0.8 mm.