Numerical modeling of freezing of structural objects in transition zones of railways

Abstract

The structure of the transition zone of the railway formation is composed of layered materials built into it, which must be resistant to adverse winter climatic conditions characteristic for the region. Among the most dangerous factors is the freezing of these materials and therefore the increased resistance to freezing in winter period is required. By this damage, change of their internal structures and material-technical characteristics can occur. For example, as a consequence of freezing, the structure may be affected by the consequent reduction of resistance of these layers to traffic load (axle loads, deformation modules of the individual layers, etc.). Special construction structures are also designed in the track and the paper is dedicated to transition zone, i.e. reinforced concrete tub as an intermediate element in changing the types of railway formation (the area between the slab track and the continuous track bed). In the experiments using the numerical models, the depth of freezing of the structural objects in the transition zones of the tracks is analyzed, i.e. the zero isotherm height position for 0 °C in the railway structure is determined and compared with respect to the bottom surface of the concrete tub as well as the FPL (frost protection layer) in the continuous track bed, subsequently the design of the objects may be modified.