Protection of Structural Layers of Transitions Zones on Railways against Freezing, Using Materials with a Low Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity

Abstract

Structural elements of railway buildings in transition zones are important parts of railway lines, where the structure of their materials is fundamentally changing. In the presented research results, these are changes in the railway body between a railway with a classic trackbed and a railway with a fixed track. The used materials of the transition zone and associated railway sections must be resistant to the effects of frost in winter. The experiments show the detected freezing depths using a zero isotherm at 0 °C. The temperature period before the onset of frost in winter is also an important factor. Numerical models of transition zones were loaded by freezing conditions. Based on the results of the experiments, frost protection measures have been proposed. To improve the temperature transition through the layers, materials with a low coefficient of thermal conductivity of transition zones have been proposed in the experimental models.