Dynamic Response Analysis of Ballasted Railway Track–Ground System under Train Moving Loads using 3D Finite Element Numerical Modelling

The faster and heavier trains in modern railway traffic are getting popularity in the public transportation authorities of many countries. Such trains cause higher stresses and excessive deformations in the ballasted railway track substructure under train dynamic loadings, which raises the risk of track damage and derailment. It is thus essential to investigate the impact of different influencing factors on the dynamic response of ballasted railway track–ground systems. In this study, a sophisticated three-dimensional finite element model simulating realistic train moving loads is presented and used to investigate the dynamic response of ballasted railway tracks in terms of stress transmission and track deflections under various train–track–ground conditions. The influencing factors considered in this study include the modulus and thicknesses of track substructure layers, the amplitude of train moving loads and the train speed. The outcomes of this study encompass important guidance to railway engineers to assist in finding the best possible scheme for the design of ballasted railway tracks and lifetime maintenance.