A novel viscoelastic modelling of railway track elements and experimental validation

•The FDM (Fractional Derivative Model) with ten parameters is one of the best tool for predicting DMA (dynamical mechanical analysis) experimental results. In a wide frequency range, this model satisfies all data points.•The algorithm based on the Wicked Plot works well. TTSP (Time Temperature Superposition) isn't employed firstly, therefore problems associated with experimental data shifting are avoided.•GMM (Generalized Maxwell Model) can be utilized to represent VE (Visco Elastic) behaviour in a narrow frequency range to reduce FDM (Fractional Derivative Model) time domain computation time. As a result, these parameters can be employed in both analytical and FE solutions with ease.•Numerical solution of Hereditary Integral is implemented into discretized two analytical models via Galerkin method. This study presents a novel approach for the viscoelastic (VE) modelling of railway track elements that depends on the combination of strong sides of classical and fractional derivative models (FDM) of viscoelasticity. First, parameters of a recent 10 parameter fractional derivative model are identified from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) data for three different elastomeric pads that are used in railway system. The FDM gives accurate results in wide frequency ranges, however, the time domain representation of this model includes fractional derivatives that substantially increase the computation time. To overcome this drawback, five-armed Generalized Maxwell Model (GMM) parameters are fitted in 0.01–1000 Hz to be used in the time domain analyses. The mathematical models of two distinct types of railway superstructure are obtained and solved by the Galerkin’s method. The results of proposed framework are tested against measurements and the results of finite element model (FEM) analyses and very good agreement is observed.