Investigating the Vibrational Behavior of Embedded Rail Slab Track Using Numerical Method

The vibrational behavior of embedded rail system is mainly a function of the elasticity of rail embedding resin as well as the geometry of rail seating trough. Reviewing the technical literature in the field of embedded rail slab tracks (ERST) system reveals any study on investigating of the effect of these parameters on the environmental vibration caused by ERST. In the present study by developing a 2D finite element model of embedded rail slab track using ABAQUS software the mentioned issue has been investigated. In this matter and as first stage، the results of the developed model under static loads has been compared with those reported by Esveld et all () and consequently a verified model has been established. In continue، by using the validated model، the vibrational behavior of the model especially the case of environmental vibrations has been studied. In this regard an extensive parametric study has been fulfilled on four key parameters as load amplitude، load frequency، embedding resin elasticity and the dimensions of rail seating trough. The results of these analyses indicated that the varying the elasticity module of embedding resin in the range of 1 to 10 MPa had a great effect on the environmental vibrations. On the other hand it has observed that increasing the trough geometry and consequently its area section leads to reducing environmental vibrations. From another point of view، when the amplitude of the applied harmonic load increases from 1. 5 to 9 tons، the intensity of environmental vibrations increases while by increasing the load frequency، this parameter show decrease. Focusing on loading frequency proved that the maximum and minimum vibrations are corresponding to 5 Hz and 50 Hz and the vibrational effects no so important for frequencies more than 60 Hz.