Moving load analysis on geocell reinforced railway track: a numerical study Available to Purchase

To ensure the safe and efficient operation of high-speed trains, the railway track must be rested on a sufficiently strong subgrade. The subgrade must be strong enough to bear significant deformation and vibration. In view of this, an attempt has been made in the current study to conduct a moving load analysis on a full-scale railway track resting on subgrade reinforced with geocell. A holistic numerical model has been developed for the purpose by using the finite element based software. Finite element model consists of detailed representation of train load, rail, sleeper, ballast, subballast and subgrade. To consider the influence of moving train loads directly, point loads with movement function have been defined. Various aspects of modelling are validated with existing experimental, numerical and field studies. Parametric studies have been carried out to obtain deformation–time relationship. The influence of train velocities from 14 m/s (50.4 km/h) to 98 m/s (352.8 km/hr) for unreinforced and geocell-reinforced railway track have been studied. Based on rail deformation, the critical velocity has also been determined for both tracks. Other parameters of the railway track such as the effect of axle load, subgrade stiffness, ballast stiffness and geocell stiffness have been analysed. The outcome of this research contributes to comprehensive geocell-reinforced railway track design incorporating the influence of moving train load.