The Impact of Anisotropic Properties of the Rail Track Superstructure on the Parameters of Dynamic Settlement of Bridge Approaches

Abstract

Numerous artificial structures, bridges, overpasses, tubes, channels, chutes are operated on railway networks. Artificial structures are considered to have a longer life cycle and thus will need during it overhaul and reconstruction with the use of modern technology. Currently, there is an increase in axial load and traffic speed, the makes even more relevant the solution of tasks referring to dynamic impact of trains on artificial structures and superstructure. See the features of construction and maintenance of rail track sections at the approaches to bridges, the respective problems merit special consideration.The research which results are presented in the article was dedicated to the impact of the anisotropy of the track superstructure on the parameters of the dynamic settlement of sections of transitional stiffness located at the approaches to bridges and built using bottomless box culverts.The research proposed to model the railway track within the transitional section as a set of flat elements of constant thickness, while each of them is regarded as a anisotropic plate supported by deformable foundation with its own deformability rates. By setting boundary conditions for individual fragments of the track structure and varying the anisotropy coefficients that determine the ratio of mechanical characteristics in different directions of anisotropy, it is possible to select necessary rail track stiffness rates for a section at bridge approaches, that paves the way to further research on structural features of designing and arrangement of those structures.