Modelling and numerical simulation of high-speed railway slab track structure

Abstract

In terms of maintenance and structural behavior, slab track proves to be an advantage over conventional ballasted track due to increasing train speed, axle load, and traffic density. Since the vibration, noise, and risk of derailment, all accelerate as train speed increases, an in-depth investigation of track dynamics becomes essential for identifying the fundamental cause of the problem. In this paper modelling and numerical simulation of high-speed railway slab track structure has been studied using finite element method. Using the multi-body simulation approach and the finite element method a model of the 3D slab track system is developed. The slab track model has rail, rail pad, and concrete slab, HBL, and subgrade layers. In order to determine the fundamental frequency and the mode shapes associated with it, a modal analysis is carried out. Dynamic response, or acceleration against frequency curves derived via harmonic response analysis, is the result of the numerical simulation. The dynamic reaction of the structure of a high-speed slab track is studied, and the effect of elastic materials on reducing vibration is investigated. The results suggest that a layer of elastic material, like a slab of mat, inserted between a layer of concrete slab and a layer of HBL is capable of lowering the amount of vibration response of the track.