Analysis of Bridge Transition Zones in Railways Considering the Moisture Condition of the Ballast and Subballast

Transition zones in railway tracks are the locations with considerable changes in vertical support structures, e.g., near bridges. Due to possible water flow constrictions in transition zone structures, there is frequently an increased moisture level in the ballast/subballast layers, which is a potential source of track degradation. This paper...

Limit analysis discussion of design methods for fracture of timber dowel joints loaded perpendicular to grain

The results of an investigation of splitting of joints of [1] are used for a discussion of design methods and as necessary answer on comments and for confirmation of the extended fracture mechanics theory which accounts for the part of the external energy which is needed for plastic dissipation at the dowels, (which cause the crack opening). It...