Numerical modelling of high-speed railway transition zone
2022 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Transition zones are changes in the track structure, detected by an abrupt deviationin track stiffness and/or differential settlements. One inevitable transition zone is thebridge approach. This study has investigated in this transition zone, adapted for highspeed,ballastless track. The aim was to observe the general behaviour of the transitionzone including its critical components, and to compare different measures, transitionconstructions, to manage with the eventual problems. A base model, called Nullmodel,was developed using the 3D finite element method to evaluate the behaviour of thetransition zone. Based on the Nullmodel, six comparative models have been created,including different types of transition constructions within the substructure. New forthis study is that it investigates the overall behaviour of the transition zone, and alsothe substitution of subballast in combination with approach blocks.For the general behaviour of the transition zone, the results have shown that theballastless track does not behave as a traditional ballasted track. Furthermore,the direction of travel affects the magnitude of different dynamical parameters.Comparing different transition constructions, replacing the subballast with ahydraulically bonded layer in combination with an approach block with cementbounded granular material is found to be the best alternative. Finally, the invertedapproach block is found to be an equally good, or better, mitigative measure incomparison with the regular approach block.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2022.
Series
TRITA-ABE-MBT ; 22630
Keywords [en]
Railway geotechnics, Bridge, Ballastless track, Transition zone, High-speed railway, Finite element method, Track stiffness
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-317332OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-317332DiVA, id: diva2:1694405
External cooperation
Sweco
Supervisors
Examiners
2022-09-092022-09-09