Experimental study of train-induced pressure acting on the platform screen doors in subway station

Abstract

The pressure transient on a platform screen door (PSD) is crucial for its structural safety and proper operation. This study experimentally investigated the train-induced pressure on the PSDs in a typical subway station using a moving model test system. Two typical cases were tested: the non-stop and chasing cases. In the non-stop case, the train passes through the station without stopping. In the chasing case, the train runs towards the station through the tunnel, while another train stops at the station. The train-induced pressure inside the tunnel was also tested for comparison. It was found that the train generated a compression wave when it passed the ventilation shaft of the tunnel, which was similar to that occurring when it entered the tunnel. In the non-stop case, the PSDs experienced two positive and one negative pressure peaks during the entire process. The first positive peak was dominated by the pressure wave transmitted through the tunnel; the second positive peak occurred when the train head reached the PSDs. A negative pressure peak occurred when the train tail passed by. In the chasing case, even when the incoming train was far away from the station, its pressure wave resulted in significant pressure on the PSDs, which may be the reason why the PSDs cannot open properly during rush hours.