Thermal and load rate-dependent interaction between embedded rail system and bridge

Abstract

Recent developments in the technology of a modern embedded rail system grant many new possibilities for improving the railway infrastructure. An embedded rail system significantly reduces noise and the dynamical impact affecting both the infrastructure and the rolling stock itself. An embedded rail system may be used for constructing any type of railway infrastructure including high-speed railways. Its attributes are also suitable for modernization of the current steel railway bridges or constructing new structures, where slender bridge decks are required. However, in a railway track equipped with an embedded rail system, stress increments rise due to its restricted expansion movement. This effect is naturally higher when the embedded rail system is placed on a bridge, because of their different deformation possibilities. For a wider use of embedded rail system, examining the interaction behavior between the embedded rail system and the substructure is a matter of essential importance. Furthermore, the nonlinear character of embedded rail system polymer-based components needs to be considered when examining their interaction behavior. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the nonlinear coupling functions of an embedded rail system under the effects of temperature and load rate. For this purpose, a comprehensive analysis consisting of laboratory experiments, material tests of the embedded rail system components and subsequent numerical validation was performed. Results are concluded in the paper.

The Current Development of Structural Health Monitoring for Bridges: A Review

“…Embedded rail systems (ERS) in rail transit can significantly reduce the impact of noise generated during traffic operation [80], and some scholars consider applying it to bridges. To popularize the application of ERS, Stancik et al [81] studied the interaction behavior between ERS and its substructure. They proposed a numerical model to simulate this interaction behavior and optimize the evaluation results of the ERS-bridge interaction using a negative feedback approach.…”

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

“…[65]. The cubic RBF interpolant uses the cubic function 𝜙 (𝑟) = 𝑟 3 (where 𝑟 = ‖ ‖ 𝐱 − 𝐱 𝑘 ‖ ‖ ). The second term in Eq.…”

“…The elastic compound provides homogeneous continual support to the rail, differing from periodic sleeper support in the traditional ballast track. With design benefits such as noise reduction and savings in construction height and weight [1], ERS also has wide applications in bridges, tunnels, and tramlines [2][3][4].…”

Laboratory Investigation of the Temperature-Dependent Mechanical Properties of a CRTS-Ⅱ Ballastless Track-Bridge Structural System in Summer

“…Chinese and international scholars have achieved much research work on the time-dependent temperature field law, mechanical properties and failure mechanism of ballastless track systems under temperature loads [14][15][16]. Dai Gonglian [17][18][19] et al embedded temperature sensors in ballastless tracks on curved bridges, performed long-term monitoring of the temperature field, and obtained the time-dependent temperature field law of longitudinally connected ballastless slab track-bridge systems under various natural conditions, such as extreme summer and cold winter temperatures, as well as the vertical and horizontal temperature gradient load modes.…”