Influence of Asymmetrical Topology on Structural Behaviours of Bearers and Sleepers in Turnout Switches and Crossings
1st GeoMEast International Congress and Exhibition on Sustainable Civil Infrastructures, Egypt 2017, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, 15 - 19 July 2017, pp.51-60, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- Doi Number: 10.1007/978-3-319-61627-8_4
- City: Sharm El Sheikh
- Country: Egypt
- Page Numbers: pp.51-60
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Railway infrastructure is nonlinear by nature, scientifically proven by its behaviours, geometry and alignment, wheel-rail forces and operational parameters such as tractive efforts. It is often found that most train-turnout interaction models do not consider the time dependent ballast degradation. Such ballast degradation later causes differential settlement and aggravates impact forces acting on partial and unsupported sleepers and bearers. Furthermore, localised ballast breakages underneath any railseat increase the likelihood of centre-bound cracks in railway sleepers and bearers due to the unbalanced support. This paper presents a numerical simulation of a standard-gauge concrete bearer at crossing panel, taking into account the tensionless nature of ballast support. The finite element model was calibrated using static and dynamic responses using past experiments. In this paper, the influences of topologic asymmetry on both sagging and hogging behaviours of crossing bearers are firstly investigated. In addition, it is the first to demonstrate the effects of sleeper length on the design consideration of turnout bearers in crossing panel. The outcome of this study will improve the railway turnout construction and maintenance criteria in order to improve train-turnout interaction and ride comfort.