Optimal design of rail level crossings and associated transition zones using adaptive surrogate-assisted optimization

Transition zones such as level crossing and bridge approaches are critical links in railway networks due to higher degradation rates and maintenance needs. In this context, parametric optimization has been applied to improve the design in transition zones; however, it requires a more computationally efficient tool to support repetitive...

Railway transition zones: evaluation of existing transition structures and a newly proposed transition structure

This comprehensive study addresses the persistent issue of railway transition zone degradation, evaluating the efficacy of the most commonly used mitigation measures and proposing a novel Safe Hull-Inspired Energy Limiting Design (SHIELD) of a transition structure. Firstly, this work assesses the traditional transition structures, including...

A comparison of earthwork designs for railway transition zones

Railway track transitions are zones where there is an abrupt change in the track-ground structure. They are often the location of rapid track deterioration, which means more frequent track maintenance is needed compared to plain line tracks. With the aim of reducing maintenance, modern transition zone designs use tapered stiffness earthwork...

Design of a concept wedge-shaped self-levelling railway sleeper

Differential railway track settlement can result in ballast voids, leading to sleepers that hang from the rail and are no longer supported by the ballast. These hanging sleepers are damage for track component. As a solution, this paper proposes and investigates a new concept sleeper with a wedge-shaped geometry, intended to stimulate the...

Comparative analysis of the dynamic amplifications due to inhomogeneities at railway transition zones

ransition zones in railway tracks experience strong amplification of stress and strain fields due to the passage of train over inhomogeneity. The inhomogeneity in these zones can be attributed to changes in mechanical properties of material along the longitudinal direction of the track, and to displacement/traction discontinuities at interfaces...

The effect of soil improvement and auxiliary rails at railway track transition zones

Railway track transition zones are areas where there is a sudden change in the track-ground structure. They include changes between ballasted and slab track, bridge approaches, and tunnel entry/exits. They are often the location of rapid track deterioration, and therefore this paper investigates the use of auxiliary rails and soil improvement...

Analysis of track and soil behaviour at transition zones: Case study near Gouda Goverwelle

The Dutch rail network is one of the busiest in the world. Structural, partly preventative, maintenance of the rail infrastructure is essential to ensure that such a busy network remains safe and free of faults. A substantial amount of position maintenance is currently necessary for the upkeep of the Dutch rail network and, in comparison with...

DelftCluster Railway transition zones and switches: Factual report fieldtest monitoring

For the Delft Cluster project ‘Railway transition zones and switches’, extensive field-testing has been carried out. At a location east of the railway station Gouda Goverwelle (GoGo) the behavior of a track and soil at a culvert and a switch are studied. This report is part of a series of reports describing all tests performed at the GoGo test...

DelftCluster Railway transition zones & Switches: Factual report long-term measurements

For the Delft Cluster project “Railway Transition zones” extensive field-testing has been performed. Testing took place on the railway track Gouda-Goverwelle (GoGo) on a culvert and on a Switch. Many different parties were involved in the testing and numerous different types of tests were performed. Al the different tests ad up to a large amount...