Abstract
Theoretical, experimental, analytical, and statistical evaluations were performed to predict and assess the dynamic behavior of a ballasted track, such as the track support stiffness, track impact factor, or dynamic wheel–rail forces. Field measurements were then performed to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the ballasted track and its components. A qualitative prediction model was then developed to predict and assess track performance as a function of dynamic wheel-rail force and variation in track support stiffness. The developed two-degree-of-freedom dynamic track model can define the rail pad and ballast stiffness ranges based on designed and measured values. Using the proposed model, qualitative analysis results are presented as a discrete space of various track responses and parameters, rather than as single values. The proposed model was then validated using field measurements, which demonstrated that the proposed model predicted the vertical rail displacement and rail bending stress within approximately 2–5% of the obtained field measurements. Overall, the developed qualitative prediction model allows the dynamic response of in-service ballasted tracks to be estimated as a function of the rail pad and ballast stiffness using only a simple field measurement.
Highlights
The environmental and mechanical conditions to which ballasted railway tracks are exposed to during service causes them to degrade and deteriorate
The dynamic response of ballasted track is affected by several parameters, such as rail pad and ballast stiffness, rail surface roughness, and the condition of track components
The qualitative analysis was defined by the prediction method of the track response using the analytical matrices functions, which was validated by field measurement, i.e., related to the empirical theory for dynamic track mechanics, and the results of qualitative analysis showed as the discrete surface area
Summary
The environmental and mechanical conditions to which ballasted railway tracks are exposed to during service causes them to degrade and deteriorate. The dynamic response of ballasted track is affected by several parameters, such as rail pad and ballast stiffness, rail surface roughness, and the condition of track components. Field measurements for evaluating the dynamic characteristics of a ballasted track and its components were performed. The qualitative prediction model (QPM) comprises a two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) dynamic track model and modified track properties, which define the rail pad and ballast stiffness ranges, based on designed and measured values. The qualitative analysis was defined by the prediction method of the track response using the analytical matrices functions, which was validated by field measurement, i.e., related to the empirical theory for dynamic track mechanics, and the results of qualitative analysis showed as the discrete surface area ( referred to as space solution). The proposed QPM model can be used to assist in the design and maintenance of ballasted track components, especially regarding the rail pad and ballast
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