Discrete element modelling of rubber-protected ballast performance subjected to direct shear test and cyclic loading

The rubber-protected ballast (RPB) is made from natural ballast particles and crumb rubber particles. The crumb rubber is shredded waste tires. RPB was chosen to replace the ballast as it has higher resistance to breakage and abrasion. However, the static and dynamic performance of the RPB has not been confirmed yet. Towards this end,...

Effect of sleeper bottom texture on lateral resistance with discrete element modelling

The lateral stability of ballasted track becomes more important because of the safety requirement under the demand of higher train speed and heavier axle load. To increase the lateral resistance of ballast bed, this paper proposes three types of new sleepers, frictional sleepers. The frictional sleepers are sleepers with different shapes of...

Experimental and numerical study on lateral and longitudinal resistance of ballasted track with nailed sleeper

Lateral and longitudinal resistance of ballasted track are two main indicators for the track stability quantification. Aiming at improving the lateral and longitudinal resistance, nailed sleeper is studied with single sleeper push tests (SSPTs) and discrete element modelling (DEM). The SSPTs were applied to study how much resistance the...

Efficiency analysis and optimisation of DEM for railway ballast track simulations: Multi-layer shape model of lateral resistance

The railway ballast layer provides the function of bearing loading, resisting geometry degradation, and drainage. In those related research, the behaviour of ballast assembly can be obtained by laboratory (or in-situ) tests. Limited simulation methods can be used to analyse the behaviour of ballast particles at the mesoscopic level. The...