Structural analysis and parametric study ballasted track in sandy regions

The sand intrusion in railway tracks in sandy regions can significantly change the mechanical behaviour of tracks and thus threaten the safety of train operation. This paper presents substantial field tests on both sandy and clean railway tracks to study the effect of sand intrusion on the longitudinal resistance of ballast bed and the...

Rheology study of ballast-sleeper interaction with particle image Velocimetry (PIV) and discrete element modelling (DEM)

Ballast rheology is a phenomenon that describes movements of ballast particles due to the discrete nature, which eventually leads to the ballast bed fluid deformation after a long-time service. In most cases, ballast rheology is the main reason of track irregularity that leads to some track defects, e.g., hanging sleeper and mud spots....

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...

Polyurethane reinforced ballasted track: Review, innovation and challenge

During the development for railway, ballasted track is dominant structure and makes up more than 95% of the whole track modes. However, its shortage is considerable in high speed railway and heavy haul system. Regarding to the ballasted railway track's defects as particle breakage, settlement, and geometry irregularity which lead to enormous...