Interference effect of three moving trains on the response of a ballasted railway track

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the interference effects of three moving trains on railway tracks using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. The primary focus is on understanding the behavior of the middle train and its settlement characteristics when influenced by two neighboring moving trains. To establish a baseline, the study also includes an analysis of a single train. The train speeds considered in the analyses range from 100[Formula: see text]km/h to 450[Formula: see text]km/h, and the spacing between trains ([Formula: see text]) varies across 10 values from 1[Formula: see text]m to 10[Formula: see text]m. The results reveal intriguing patterns in the settlement behavior of the middle railway track. Specifically, the interface significantly impacts settlement, causing a decrease for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m compared to a single railway track and a subsequent remarkable increase for larger [Formula: see text] values. This conflicting behavior arises from the combined effects of confinement and vibration induced by neighboring trains. Moreover, as the spacing between trains increases, the interference effect diminishes due to a decrease in vibration. Quantitative findings include an average percentage difference in the maximum settlement ranging from −16% to [Formula: see text]109%, with the interference effect decreasing as S increases. The critical speed of the middle train’s railway track is also influenced by interference, exhibiting a change from 300[Formula: see text]km/h to 350[Formula: see text]km/h for [Formula: see text] values of 2–6[Formula: see text]m. This highlights the necessity for special attention to interference effects in the design stage, particularly regarding critical speed considerations. The study contributes valuable insights into the complex dynamics of three moving trains on railway tracks, offering practical implications for railway track design and ensuring safe and efficient operations.