DYNAMIC BEHAVIOUR OF RAILWAY SUPERSTRUCTURES

Railways have always been designed based on experience with prior designs. With the advent of new types of superstructures (ballastless track) combined with a new field of application (high speed lines), the empirical design method is no longer applicable. The use of computer models that predict the dynamic behavior of the track and the vehicle have become necessary for designing this kind of track to ensure a safe and trouble-free exploitation. In this paper, a ballastless track with continuous support, the embedded rail structure (ERC), is modeled with the use of a computer program known as "Rail." Lab tests are carried out for the validation of the computer model. Dynamic behavior of the ERC is compared to that of a classic ballasted track. The frequency response functions and the distance damping as well as the accelerations of a simplified vehicle are determined and compared. In addition, a simulation of a complete Thalys high speed train running at high speed over the ERC is made giving information on the dynamic behavior of the track and the comfort level for the passengers, the latter determined as acceleration levels in the vehicle.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00467316
• Corporate Authors:

  Delft University of Technology

  Faculty of Civil Engineering, Stevin Laboratory, P.O. Box 5048
  2600 GA Delft,   Netherlands 
• Authors:
  • Oostermeijer, K H
  • Kok, AWM
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 25-34
• Serial:
  • Heron
  • Volume: 45
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Delft University of Technology
  • ISSN: 0046-7316

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballastless track; Computer models; Damping (Engineering); High speed rail; Passenger comfort; Rail (Railroads); Railroad engineering; Railroad safety; Railroad tracks; Railroad transportation; Rolling contact; Superstructures; Validation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic behavior
• Subject Areas: Construction; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00797634
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 2001 12:00AM