Track Elements Research Articles

Green financial risk management based on intelligence service

Risk management is an important issue of green finance, and it is also a prominent issue of green economic development. The resolution of green financial risk will help protect the interests of all stakeholders and promote the development of green finance. This study suggests that intelligence service provides new ideas and ways for green financial risk management. Applying intelligence service to green financial risk management will contribute to the sustainable development of green finance and enrich the theoretical system of intelligence science. This study first builds an intelligence service system of green financial risk management from five aspects: intelligence demand, intelligence collection, intelligence processing, intelligence application, and intelligence tracking. A questionnaire is designed based on this system. The first batch of green finance pilot cities in China (Ganjiang, Gui'an, Guangzhou, Huzhou, Quzhou, Changji, Hami, and Karamay) are investigated. This study uses a regression model to analyze the data and analyzes the intelligence service status of green financial risk management in pilot cities. The research divides those green finance pilot cities into eastern, central, and western regions. It shows obvious differences in the intelligence service elements in the eastern, central, and western regions of green financial risk management. The eastern region pays more attention to the three elements of intelligence demand, intelligence application, and intelligence tracking when carrying out green financial risk management. In the process of green financial risk management in the western region, there are obvious deficiencies in the two elements of intelligence collection and intelligence processing, which may be due to the lack of advanced digital equipment and effective digital resource. The central region lies between the eastern and western regions on intelligence service of green financial risk management. Based on the above results, this study proposes that establishing an intelligence center, sharing intelligence resources, improving digital technology, and updating intelligence cases can enhance the effectiveness of intelligence service in the risk management of green finance.

THEORETICAL STUDIES OF THE POSSIBILITY OF OPERATING AN INTERMEDIATE RAIL FASTENING OF THE KPP-5 TYPE ON PROMISING SECTIONS OF UKRAINIAN RAILWAYS, WHERE IT IS PLANNED TO INTRODUCE HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC

The introduction of high-speed traffic in the railways of Ukraine is one of the priorityareas of development of the domestic railway industry. Foreign experience in the operation of highspeed and high-speed lines has a positive impact on the overall economic performance of thesecountries by increasing the mobility of means of production and human resources. In addition,increasing speeds requires the introduction of new types of rolling stock and railway structures withunconditional provision of the required level of safety. This is possible only through a comprehensiveapproach to these issues, both through experimental tests and theoretical calculations. This studytheoretically assessed the possibility of operating intermediate rail fasteners type KPP-5 Ukrainianproduction in areas where in the medium term, it is planned to increase speeds, i.e. to reach a levelof more than 160 km/h. To achieve this goal, multivariate calculations were performed to determinethe stress state that penetrates the elements of the railway track under the action of rolling stock.Four types of high-speed locomotives and electric trains, which have been operated on the railwaylines of the European Union for a long time, were selected as units of account in the study. For alltypes of rolling stock (locomotives and high-speed electric trains) for which calculations wereperformed, the obtained values of stresses acting in the elements of the railway track do not exceedthe allowable. That is, in terms of strength, intermediate rail fasteners type KPP-5 Ukrainianproduction can be operated in straight sections at speeds over 160 km / h with heat-treated rails typeR65 on reinforced concrete sleepers with laying diagram 1840 pcs / km with gravel ballast 40 cmthick. Analytical comparison of the level of stresses arising in the railway track elements in lines withintermediate rail fastening type KPP-5 made in Ukraine and the W30 rail fastening systemmanufactured by Vossloh showed approximately the same level of stress in the railway track elements.However, it should be noted that the above conclusions are only theoretical in nature and for thefinal determination of the possibility of operation of the intermediate rail fastening type KPP-5 inreal conditions (at speeds greater than 160 km / h) requires additional experimental studies.

Qualitative Analysis of Carbon Emissions and Offsetting Opportunities of Zalaegerszeg Automotive Proving Ground

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview about the efforts of the management board of the Automotive Proving Ground in Zalaegerszeg to decrease carbon effects, which is in a close relation with the project level sustainability opportunities of this special investment. Based on the research work we have done, solutions were proposed to achieve the vision of "net zero (or negative) emissions" of this project. In the investigations concerning the test track, system boundaries were defined such that all relevant facilities and processes operating were considered. In emissions calculations, we have employed the procedure outlined by the GHG Protocol for 3 scopes and the employed methodology relied heavily on the related standard. For the calculations, the definition and collection of input data types was the first step. Then the assessment has been conducted by taking into consideration the geometric shape of test platforms, anticipated vehicle loading of track elements, typical distance-speed diagrams, as well as the utilized vehicle types (passenger cars, trucks and buses). We calculated CO2-equivalent emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel consumptions (from the product of fuel demand and conversion factors), using "Tank-to-Wheels" and "Well-to-Wheels" approaches. Based on the emission calculations carbon offsetting opportunities were analyzed to assume the effect of CO2 emissions reduction and capture: forestation and green surface development; energy crop plantation and heat generation; establishment of a photovoltaic (PV) farm (electricity production). We have shown the main characteristics of the 3 main options and their advantages and disadvantages.

Development of Strategies for Analysing the Factors which Influence the Organization of Routine Railway Track Maintenance

It is critical for railway transport management to be able to predict the condition of any railway track that operates in a challenging environment, including high tonnage, magnitude of traffic flow, an increased governed speed, and harsh climate — factors that combine to reduce the life cycle of track superstructure components. The condition of railway track cannot be predicted until after the factors affecting all track elements and their interrelationships have been identified. It is therefore essential to identify the factors that have a bearing impact on the management of routine track maintenance and track work processes. This article discusses the formulation of strategies for reviewing existing methods for track condition assessment followed by assignment of track works and efforts to identify factors that may not have been recognized in previous planning. The studies used both statistical and analytical methods.

Increasing the efficiency of investigation methods for rail transport accidents

Increasing volume and speed of rail traffic bring a rise in strain of both rolling stock and rail track. Identifying causes of rail accidents and developing adequate responding guidelines play a large part in ensuring traffic safety. Another key factor is analyzing and estimating the involvement of various deviations in the locomotive-car-track system parameters in a derailment or other catastrophic events. Increased stress on car and rail track elements has led to higher frequency of failures in operation and shorter mileage between overhauls. This in turn has deteriorated the technical condition of the locomotive-car-track system and affected the ongoing tendency of growing derailments of freight cars in curves and on mountainous terrains. In particular, the data obtained from rail accident investigations has shown a two-fold increase in the number of car derailments in the aforementioned conditions as the outcome of deviations in the locomotive-car-track system parameters between 2012 and 2020. For this reason, ensuring traffic safety is increasingly dependent on computational-and-empirical evaluation and danger classification of different deviations in system parameters, as well as development mathematical models of concerning processes and situations. The issue has been partially resolved due to investigations in causes of defects and accidents in the car-railway system, followed by identification of the most dangerous defects and the development of appropriate recommendations aimed at improving traffic safety. However, this approach does not fully consider the effect of violations of speed limit in combination with other deviations, nor the danger level of various deviations of the locomotive-car-track system’s elements when moving through mountain-pass sections of the track. In particular, the influence of the uncanceled lateral acceleration that occurs when a train moves in such sections (track slope between 8 and 25 ‰), including when coupled with extra track subsidence conditions, speed limit violation and abnormal elevation of the outer rail inside a curve, has not been fully assessed. Finally, the influence of wear of wheel rolling surfaces and ridges when moving through curves and mountain-pass sections has also yet to be fully researched. Therefore, it remains a pressing task to advance the computational-and-empirical approach as well as mathematical models for assessing danger levels of individual failures and their combinations in the locomotive-car-track system, and to develop recommendations for identifying accident causes and improving traffic safety in curves and on mountainous terrains.

Определение собственных частот колебаний элементов железнодорожного пути под поездной нагрузкой и выбор упругих амортизаторов

Objective: To outline the theoretical and methodological foundations of the railway track oscillation frequency analysis. To justify the need to assess the level of vibrodynamic impact of rolling stock on the elements of the track superstructure and the roadbed. To provide a methodology for calculating the oscillation parameters. To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of shock-absorbing elements. Methods: The modeling of the oscillatory process of the railway track elements and the analysis of physical models of oscillations were used. Results: The applicability of assessing the level of vibrodynamic impact of rolling stock on the elements of the track superstructure and the roadbed has been confirmed. A physical model of the vibrodynamic force impact of railway rolling stock and the responses of track infrastructure elements is described. The procedure for calculating the natural frequencies of the elements of the track superstructure and the roadbed and the characteristics of the shock-absorbing elements is given. Practical importance: The presented methods for calculating the natural frequencies of the elements of the track superstructure and the roadbed, as well as the characteristics of resilient shock-absorbing elements – rail shock pads and sleeper pads – make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of their use to reduce the level of vibrodynamic impacts, to protect against resonance, and ensure the train traffic safety.

Gamification Analysis for Motivation and Engagement Using Running Apps

Gamification is the application of game features, mainly elements of video games, in a context not related to the game in order to promote motivation and commitment to learning. The application of gamification in a pedagogical context provides some remedy for many people who feel alienated from traditional teaching methods. The use of gamification could provide a partial solution to the decrease in the motivation and commitment of the students that the user faces today. Specifically, the younger environment could benefit greatly from gamification not only for its enjoyment but also for a healthy life. This critical analysis of gamification literature wants to be part of a sequence on the effect of gamification on motivation and commitment. A methodology proposed in the study of the effects of gamification in motivation and commitment, as well as an empirical study, consists of a smartphone application that provides tracking and gamification elements. While the control arm consists of on an application designed identically only with the characteristics of tracking health information. The proposal will be made among young people who use applications on the day off from cars in Jakarta

Continuous long-term recording and triggering of brain neurovascular activity and behaviour in freely moving rodents.

A minimally invasive, microchip-based approach enables continuous long-term recording of brain neurovascular activity, heart rate, and head movement in freely behaving rodents. This approach can also be used for transcranial optical triggering of cortical activity in mice expressing channelrhodopsin. The system uses optical intrinsic signal recording to measure cerebral blood volume, which under baseline conditions is correlated with spontaneous neuronal activity. The arterial pulse and breathing can be quantified as a component of the optical intrinsic signal. Multi-directional head movement is measured simultaneously with a movement sensor. A separate movement tracking element through a camera enables precise mapping of overall movement within an enclosure. Data is processed by a dedicated single board computer, and streamed from multiple enclosures to a central server, enabling simultaneous remote monitoring and triggering in many subjects. One application of this system described here is the characterization of changes in of cerebral blood volume, heart rate and behaviour that occur with the sleep-wake cycle over weeks. Another application is optical triggering and recording of cortical spreading depression (CSD), the slowly propagated wave of neurovascular activity that occurs in the setting of brain injury and migraine aura. The neurovascular features of CSD are remarkably different in the awake vs. anaesthetized state in the same mouse. With its capacity to continuously and synchronously record multiple types of physiological and behavioural data over extended time periods in combination with intermittent triggering of brain activity, this inexpensive method has the potential for widespread practical application in rodent research. KEY POINTS: Recording and triggering of brain activity in mice and rats has typically required breaching the skull, and experiments are often performed under anaesthesia A minimally invasive microchip system enables continuous recording and triggering of neurovascular activity, and analysis of heart rate and behaviour in freely behaving rodents over weeks This system can be used to characterize physiological and behavioural changes associated with the sleep-wake cycle over extended time periods This approach can also be used with mice expressing channelrhodopsin to trigger and record cortical spreading depression (CSD) in freely behaving subjects. The neurovascular responses to CSD are remarkably different under anaesthesia compared with the awake state. The method is inexpensive and straightforward to employ at a relatively large scale. It enables translational investigation of a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions in rodent models of neurological and systemic diseases.

Numerical Analysis of Additional Stresses in Railway Track Elements Due to Subgrade Settlement Using FEM Simulation

The prediction of additional stresses in ballasted track due to subgrade deformation is the main objective of the present paper. In this context, a 2D finite element model of ballasted railway track was built using the ANSYS Workbench program. Based on this model, an investigation of stresses and deformation values of track elements was conducted in three cases with different contact types. It was found that the case introducing the status of a new track, which has frictional contacts between sleepers and ballast with bonded contacts between other elements, has lower stresses in most of the track elements. Moreover, this case was applied for studying the effect of the settlement on track elements. It was found that stresses increased with increasing the settlement value. The average percentages of increased stresses are 4.18%, 5.85%, and 7.21% in railhead, tie plate, and sleeper, respectively, due to a 1 mm increase in the settlement. Finally, a second-degree polynomial equation was derived to predict the additional stresses in each element due to track settlement. It is expected that this study would help to decrease the maintenance costs and extend the service life of the track elements by predicting the additional stresses in them.

Multibody simulation benchmark for dynamic vehicle–track interaction in switches and crossings: results and method statements

A Benchmark of railway multibody dynamics software application to switches and crossings (S&C) is presented, comparing all major commercially available software and a few independent codes. Two different representative S&C have been implemented, using the Manchester Benchmark passenger vehicle. The final results show that all software offer a reliable and efficient way to understand the kinematic and dynamics forces between the wheels and the track elements. The highest challenges are found when modelling a combination of multiple rails in simultaneous contact with a wheel (check-stock or switch-stock), large longitudinal variations in rail shape (crossings) and high lateral steering forces (diverging cases in tight radius). In those cases, the codes able to account for the exact relative motion of each wheels with respect to each rails independently are the most apt. The most significant variations between software are found in the contact prediction with an influence on the detailed contact tangential and normal forces. The user variability is found to be very small, with the most time-consuming and error prone being the task of handling the input data for the variable rails definition. All software could benefit from improvements to assist the user and ensure higher reliability and efficiency generally.

Efficient data validation for geographical interlocking systems

In this paper, an efficient approach to data validation ofdistributed geographical interlocking systems (IXLs) is presented.In the distributed IXL paradigm, track elements are controlled bylocal computers communicating with other control components overlocal and wide area networks. The overall control logic isdistributed over these track-side computers and remote servercomputers that may even reside in one or more cloud server farms.Redundancy is introduced to ensure fail-safe behaviour,fault-tolerance, and to increase the availability of the overallsystem. To cope with the configuration-related complexity of suchdistributed IXLs, the software is designed according to the digitaltwin paradigm: physical track elements are associated with softwareobjects implementing supervision and control for the element. Theobjects communicate with each other and with high-level IXL controlcomponents in the cloud over logical channels realised bydistributed communication mechanisms. The objective of this articleis to explain how configuration rules for this type of IXLs can bespecified by temporal logic formulae interpreted on Kripke Structurerepresentations of the IXL configuration. Violations ofconfiguration rules can be specified using formulae from awell-defined subset of LTL. By decomposing the completeconfiguration model into sub-models corresponding to routesthrough the model, the LTL model checking problem can be transformedinto a CTL checking problem for which highly efficient algorithmsexist. Specialised rule violation queries that are hard to expressin LTL can be simplified and checked faster by performing sub-modeltransformations adding auxiliary variables to the states of theunderlying Kripke Structures. Further performance enhancements areachieved by checking each sub-model concurrently. The approachpresented here has been implemented in a model checking tool whichis applied by Siemens Mobility for data validation of geographicalIXLs.

Determination of loading modes for endurance tests of reinforced concrete sleepers on the basis of experimental measurement of their stress state under the conditions of the Test Loop at Shcherbinka

The article considers the issue of changing the stressstrain state of reinforced concrete sleepers depending on the value of the axle loads and the requirements for the modes of its bench endurance tests. This issue is very relevant, since at present, in certain sections of the network (directions of the Eastern operational area), due to the high traffic density, the impact on the track increases and the axle load increases. Such a change entails the need to revise the requirements for the methods for determining and confirming the resource of all track elements, including the loading modes of reinforced concrete sleepers during its bench tests. To determine the influence of the axle load, measurements were made of the actual stress-strain state of reinforced concrete sleepers laid on the tangent section of the Test Loop of the JSC “VNIIZHT”. The loading was realized by a running train of 72 cars and a specially formed experimental coupler of a locomotive and three cars with an axle load of 23.5, 25 and 27 tf, respectively. Measurements made it possible to obtain the dependence of the change in stresses and deformations on the change in the axle load, as well as to reveal the rheological features of the interaction of reinforced concrete sleepers and the ballast layer. Obtained measurement results were used as basic stresses and strains for calculating loading modes in bench endurance tests. Purpose of the calculation is to achieve the maximum identity of the stress state when the sleepers are loaded on the bench with its stress state during real operation. In addition, experimental bench loading of a reinforced concrete sleeper was carried out, during which the modes obtained by the calculation were implemented and its stress-strain state was measured. Results of comparing the stress state of a reinforced concrete sleeper obtained during full-scale measurements on the way and during loading on the stand showed their identity, which confirmed the adequacy of the calculated loading modes. The final result of the work was the loading modes for bench tests of reinforced concrete sleepers, taking into account the influence of the axle load value.

Application of Deep Learning Networks to Segmentation of Surface of Railway Tracks.

The article presents a vision system for detecting elements of railway track. Four types of fasteners, wooden and concrete sleepers, rails, and turnouts can be recognized by our system. In addition, it is possible to determine the degree of sleeper ballast coverage. Our system is also able to work when the track is moderately covered by snow. We used a Fully Convolutional Neural Network with 8 times upsampling (FCN-8) to detect railway track elements. In order to speed up training and improve performance of the model, a pre-trained deep convolutional neural network developed by Oxford’s Visual Geometry Group (VGG16) was used as a framework for our system. We also verified the invariance of our system to changes in brightness. To do this, we artificially varied the brightness of images. We performed two types of tests. In the first test, we changed the brightness by a constant value for the whole analyzed image. In the second test, we changed the brightness according to a predefined distribution corresponding to Gaussian function.

Modelling of Anisotropic Electrical Conduction in Layered Structures 3D-Printed with Fused Deposition Modelling.

3D-printing conductive structures have recently been receiving increased attention, especially in the field of 3D-printed sensors. However, the printing processes introduce anisotropic electrical properties due to the infill and bonding conditions. Insights into the electrical conduction that results from the anisotropic electrical properties are currently limited. Therefore, this research focuses on analytically modeling the electrical conduction. The electrical properties are described as an electrical network with bulk and contact properties in and between neighbouring printed track elements or traxels. The model studies both meandering and open-ended traxels through the application of the corresponding boundary conditions. The model equations are solved as an eigenvalue problem, yielding the voltage, current density, and power dissipation density for every position in every traxel. A simplified analytical example and Finite Element Method simulations verify the model, which depict good correspondence. The main errors found are due to the limitations of the model with regards to 2D-conduction in traxels and neglecting the resistance of meandering ends. Three dimensionless numbers are introduced for the verification and analysis: the anisotropy ratio, the aspect ratio, and the number of traxels. Conductive behavior between completely isotropic and completely anisotropic can be modeled, depending on the dimensionless properties. Furthermore, this model can be used to explain the properties of certain 3D-printed sensor structures, like constriction-resistive strain sensors.

Review of the Science behind Oil Spill Fate Models: Are Updates Needed?

AbstractOil spill models play an important role in the oil spill response decision making and contingency planning processes. The current generation of spill models mostly use Lagrangian based particle tracking random walk methods for oil transport processes combined with individual algorithms for oil fate processes (Spaulding, 2017). The fate of near surface oil movement is modeled using algorithms describing oil spreading, evaporation, emulsification, entrainment, dissolution, and biodegradation. These fate processes are applied to oil in the Lagrangian particle tracking elements to alter the physical and chemical properties of the oil, and subsequently the oil behavior.In this paper, we review the major algorithms used in oil spill models and identify the science and physics underpinning them. For each, we evaluated how far the science has advanced since the algorithms were developed to identify those that could be upgraded based on current understanding. We also identified algorithms where future research is needed because the physical and chemical behaviors are not fully understood. These areas include the spreading behavior of surface slicks, surface-slick emulsification, and the physical transport of small oil droplets near the air-water interface.

THE PROBLEM OF A LACK OF MATERIAL BEHAVIOUR DATA FOR RISK ASSESSMENT

Purpose. The main purpose of this work is to provide theoretical support for the need to expand data on changes in the material behaviour under dynamic loads when railway track risk assessment over time due to railway track elements deformability. Methodology. For the research, an original model of railway track design described using the original method based on the ability of elastic waves to propagate energy of power pulses in space and time, as well as a model describing materials as discrete substances were used. Findings. It has been established that the properties of the material affect the deformability of the elements and the design of the railway track; the main parameter in the study of deformability processes is time; material, as a substance, consists of atoms and molecules, and therefore is not continuous; internal physical processes determine changes in the behaviour of the material of an element. Originality. It has been proposed to develop classifications of changes in the physical properties of materials according to the probability of irreversible deformations and the impossibility of deformations, as well as classifications of changes in the mechanical properties of materials according to the probability of the defect appearance and changing the material structure. Practical value. The ability to simulate analytically any physical processes occurring inside elements due to the proposed method allows combining the influence of mechanical and physical effects into a single calculation. This enables to assess the probability of appearing defects in elements under certain dynamic loads when assessing the railway track risk over time due to railway track elements deformability.

Solution of the problems of system reliability by modeling the stress-strain state of rail track using the theory of elastic waves propagation

Purpose:The analysis of opportunities of the current practical methods for the track strength calculation and their comparison with the proposed method of calculation using the theory of elastic waves propagation.Methodology. The analytical analysis of equations set–up and their solution of the stress state of the track elements by different techniques is applied. Simulation method is used to create a model of railway track.Findings.Initially, the equations describing a stress state of the track elements have differential components for the time and dynamic loading accounting. However, for the majority of problems solving, they are significantly simplified – the difficult dependences are replaced with the empirical coefficients, some parameters are simply neglected. The limits of calculation applicability, imposed on them by certain admissions are resulted. The possibilities of the track model construction based on the theory of elastic waves propagation are given as an alternative. Then time of stress effect, the involved masses and other indicators are subordinated to the front of the waves propagation, and the balance equations are based on dynamic presentation of the elasticity theory. Originality.The general principles of track model formation based on the theory of elastic waves propagation as an alternative to the equations with differential components for time and dynamic loads accounting are proved. Practical value. These developments can be used as a tool for solving the problems related to the railway track reliability.

Dynamic track-soil interaction—calculations and measurements of slab and ballast tracks

The dynamic behaviour of slab and ballast tracks was investigated using measurements and calculations. Hammer impacts and train passages were analysed and measurements were made using geophones (velocity transducers) which had been time-integrated to displacements. The calculations were carried out in the frequency-wavenumber domain for multi-beam-on-continuous soil models. The characteristics of the different tracks and track elements were established in theory and by experiment. The frequency-dependent compliances (displacement transfer functions) showed clear rail-on-railpad resonances or highly damped track-soil resonances. Compared to the rail and sleeper, the track slab had much lower amplitudes. The slab track usually had the highest rail amplitudes due to soft railpads. Train passage yielded track displacements which were a superposition of the axle loads from the two neighbouring axles of a bogie and from the two bogies of two neighbouring carriages. This global behaviour was characteristic of the track slab of the slab track, whereas the rails of the slab and the ballast tracks behaved more locally with only one bogie of influence. The measurements agreed very well with the theory of continuous soil in the case of the six measured slab tracks and acceptably well for the six measured ballast tracks. The measurements allowed us to find appropriate model parameters and to check the models. For example, the Winkler model of the soil was found to be less appropriate because it reacted more locally.

Commissioning of the freight wagons with increased axle loads is a guarantee of the further development of railways of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The aim of the study is to select rational axle loads of the rolling stock and establish the conditions for their circulation on the railways of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In this work, research has been carried out to assess the indicators of the stress-strain state of rail track elements from the action of the rolling stock with various axial loads. The dynamic loads from the rolling stock wheel on the rail, tensile stresses at the edges of the rail foot, in wooden sleepers (rubber under-rail pads on reinforced concrete) under the linings, in the ballast under the sleeper, as well as stresses at the main area of the roadbed, were determined. The obtained results of studies on the determination and assessment of the loading of the elements of the permanent way and sub-grade bed under the condition of not exceeding their standard values made it possible to establish the permissible speeds of movement of freight wagons with increased axle loads of 25 and 27 tf on the railways of the Republic of Uzbekistan, depending on the design of the track and the thickness of the ballast layer, which will increase the running and carrying capacity of the most loaded sections of the railway network, reduce operating costs, increase the volume of freight traffic by rail, which will create conditions for the further development of national rail transport in the implementation of export and transit potential.

Crack resistance of reinforced-concrete sleepers with elastic rail fastening systems without base-plate

The article presents the main results of complex experimental and theoretical research into the crack resistance and the limit state of reinforced-concrete sleepers with elastic rail fastening systems without base-plate. The objective of this study is to uncover reasons for the cracks and other breakages during operation, demonstrate their importance, and produce a set of recommendations for prevention of the most serious defects. The research also involved statistical analysis of the defect factor for sleepers, and determined the number of defects by type according to track layout, traffic density, tonnage transported, concrete grade and other characteristics based on the results of full-scale research of track sections and surveys from maintenance specialists. The full-scale research was made on rail sections under standard operational modes and on a test track section of straight and curved elements with sleepers of concrete grades C32/40, C35/45 and C40/50.The study was based on numerical methods, modelling of the stress-strain behaviour of the track, and estimation of the performance of sleepers with cracks.The method used incremental-iterative algorithms to consider the elastic plastic properties of materials, solve contact problems in operation of rail fastening systems, and also reveal the structural nonlinearity of joint action for track elements. The method was realized in LIRA-SAPR software on the basis of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM).The results were verifiedby experimental research into the sleepers under static and dynamic loads with estimation of crack development in terms of concrete grades, deformation modulus, rigidities of the ballast layer and the sub-grade, position of the reinforcement and other characteristics.