Advanced Non-linear Dynamic Finite Element Modelling of Railway Track Behaviour 

P.K. Woodward^1&2, B. Zettor², A. Kaddouri² and M. Banimahd²

¹ XiTRACK Limited, Station Road, Birch Vale, High-Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 1BR
² School of Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS

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ABSTRACT

This paper describes the numerical modelling process used in the dynamic analysis of railway track foundations using advanced 3-dimensional finite element techniques. The developed programs are shown to reproduce the dynamic behaviour of railway track using the data from real site measurements and from an example dynamic bridge problem, in which a transition track fault is simulated. The paper describes how the computer models can be used to predict track behaviour when, for example, increases in axle weight and speed are proposed or when the XITRACK 3-dimensional ballast reinforcement technique is applied to stabilise track. The constitutive models used in the dynamic analysis vary from non-linear elastic to full elasto-plastic in three-dimensions. In addition, the paper presents the results of finite element simulations of granular soil compaction using a multi-surface kinematic elasto-plastic constitutive soil model. This model is capable of simulating the entire track loading history and ence can be used to predict the future settlement behaviour of the track when changes in track loads or speeds are proposed. The paper describes the kinematic model and presents the results of example simulations of subballast samples under both drained and undrained cyclic loading.

Presented at the 8th International Railway Engineering Conference, London, June 2005.