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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 28326

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Prof. Dr. Seung-Yup Jang

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Guest Editor

Department of Transportation System Engineering, Graduate School of Transportation, Korea National University of Transportation, 157, Cheoldo-bangmulgwan-ro, Uiwang 16106, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Interests: concrete durability; railway track system; track–bridge interaction
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Dear Colleagues,

At present, the proportion of railway system in public transportation systems is increasing under the global goal of greenhouse gas reduction. In this respect, building a highly efficient railway system is a very important task for us. The railway system consists of several subsystems, such as vehicles, engineering structures, power supply systems, and signal and communication systems. The interactions between these subsystems have very significant effects on the performance and efficiency of the entire railway system. The subsystem interactions, e.g., wheel–rail contact, vehicle–track–substructure dynamic interaction, track–bridge interaction, pantograph–catenary contact, and track–signaling system interface, include a wide variety of complex static and dynamic problems, and many challenges have arisen and meaningful developments have been made in recent decades. However, there are still several remaining important issues. Thus, I would like to propose this Special Issue including but not limited to the abovementioned themes. New unknown problems in recent or future railway systems are also welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Seung Yup Jang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Railway system
Subsystems
Wheel–rail contact
Vehicle–track–substructure dynamic interaction
Track–bridge interaction
Pantograph–catenary contact
Track–signaling system interface

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 5948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Differential Subgrade Settlement on Slab Track Deformation Based on a DEM-FDM Coupled Approach

by Xuhao Cui, Rui Zhou, Gaoran Guo, Bowen Du and Hanlin Liu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041384 - 03 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

Slab track structures become deformed under the effects of differential subgrade settlement. According to the properties of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) II slab track on a subgrade, a three-dimensional (3D) coupled model based on both the discrete element method (DEM) and finite difference method (FDM) was developed. The slab track and subgrade were simulated using the FDM and DEM, respectively. The coupled model was verified. The deformation of the slab track and contact forces of gravel grains in the surface layer of the subgrade were studied under differential subgrade settlement. The effects of settlement wavelength, settlement amplitude, and other types of settlements were also discussed. The results demonstrate that the settlement amplitude and settlement wavelength of the subgrade have significant effects on track deformation. The deformation amplitude of the slab track increases nonlinearly with an increasing settlement amplitude of the subgrade. Increases in the settlement wavelength and amplitude of the subgrade significantly increase the maximum value of the contact force of the gravel grains in the subgrade. The maximum contact force of gravel grains near the boundaries of the settlement section can reach two to three times that of the unsettled condition, which makes it easy to accelerate the plastic settlement of the subgrade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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17 pages, 16528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study on Track–Bridge Interaction of Integral Railway Rigid-Frame Bridge

by Wenshuo Liu, Hao Lai, Gonglian Dai, Shiwei Rao, Dezhi Wang and Bing Wu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11030922 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2907

Abstract

Track–bridge interaction (TBI) is an increasingly essential consideration for the design and operation of railway bridges, especially for the innovative bridge structure systems that constantly spring up over the years. This paper focuses on the characteristics of additional forces in continuous welded rails (CWRs) on the 3 × 70 m integral rigid-frame bridge of the Fuzhou–Xiamen High-Speed Railway, which is a novel high-speed railway (HSR) bridge structure system in China. The differential equations of rail stress and displacement are first investigated and an integrative analysis model comprising of rail, track, bridge and piers is then established. Secondly, the characteristics of representative additional forces are illustrated and the influences of different design parameters are discussed in detail. Furthermore, suitable rail fasteners, optimal layout schemes of adjacent bridges and reasonable stiffness of piers are also studied. The results indicate that the additional expansion force accounts for the largest proportion of additional forces in integral rigid-frame bridges and that resistance reduction obviously weakens the various additional forces caused by the TBI effect, while the broken gap of the rail increases greatly. Small resistance fasteners are recommended to be applied onto this new type of HSR line as these provide reductions in additional stresses of CWRs compared to WJ-8 fasteners. The additional rail stresses after adopting an adjacent span scheme of 4 × 32 m simply supported beams are less than the corresponding stresses in other schemes. The results also show that there is a strong correlation between the minimum threshold value of the pier stiffness and the longitudinal resistance of HSR lines for the integral rigid-frame bridge. This work could serve as a valuable reference for detailed design and safety evaluation of integral rigid-frame bridges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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18 pages, 6045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Vibration Characteristics of a Track’s Structure Considering the Viscoelastic Properties of Recycled Composite Sleepers

by Zhenhang Zhao, Ying Gao and Chenghui Li

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010150 - 25 Dec 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

In order to investigate the vibration characteristics of a composite sleeper-ballasted track and provide a basis for further popularization, a vehicle–track dynamic coupling model is established and the viscoelastic properties of the composite sleeper are considered. The power flow method is employed to reveal the power flow distribution characteristics of the composite sleeper. The results show that the viscoelastic properties of the composite sleeper have little influence on the rail power and have a greater influence on the power flow of the sleeper and ballast bed in some frequency ranges. The viscoelastic properties of the composite sleeper can effectively improve the calculation accuracy of the track structure’s power flow. Compared with the type-III pre-stressed concrete sleepers widely used in China, composite sleepers consume more energy in the vibration process due to their own physical characteristics, which reduces the power flow transmitted downward and relieves vibration on the ballast bed, especially in the ranges of 80–125 Hz and 250–400 Hz. The temperature change mainly affects the power flow of the composite sleeper in the frequency range above 50 Hz. As the temperature increases, the modulus of the composite sleeper decreases and the vibration reduction effect of the ballast bed is improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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18 pages, 7458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Network-Based Method to Analyze EMI Events of On-Board Signaling System in Railway

by Meng Li, Yinghong Wen, Guodong Wang, Dan Zhang and Jinbao Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(24), 9059; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10249059 - 18 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

The On-board Train Control System (OTCS) plays an important role in the real-time operation of the electric multiple units (EMU) in high-speed railway. The EMU is a complex system made up of various electrical and electronic equipment, so the interactions of the electromagnetic (EM) environment and OTCS are difficult to study, which leads to more challenges to analyze EM interference (EMI) events at the system level. To overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes the thought of a graph model to solve the problem. First, a framework is proposed to more clearly reflect the relationship between the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) problem and network through a comparison with them. Second, a network theory-based model is presented to express the EMC elements for the OTCS in EMU. It decomposes the OTCS and EMU with EMC elements into edges and nodes of the network, which parameters are defined corresponding to EM sources, sensitive equipment, and coupling paths. Thus, each part could be modeled separately or together by calculation, simulation, or measurement, respectively, and the EMC problem could be represented by the paths from origin to destination in the network. Moreover, the modeling process was elucidated by the specific cases in OTCS and the validity of the proposed approach was verified by calculation and measurement results in the case study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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20 pages, 14115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Full-Scale Experimental Investigation of the Interaction between Trains and Tunnels

by Claudio Somaschini, Tommaso Argentini, Elia Brambilla, Daniele Rocchi, Paolo Schito and Gisella Tomasini

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7189; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207189 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2181

Abstract

This works focuses on a series of experimental tests carried out to investigate overpressures in tunnels due to train crossings. Although the above-mentioned topic is well known and also defined in European standards, in the literature full-scale data are lacking, which are useful to validate the numerical codes required in the certification process and are used in train structural dimensioning. In this respect, an extensive full-scale experimental campaign was planned for observing as many test conditions as possible, such as single passages of different trains, two train crossing, different tests speed, and different tunnel characteristics. In detail, the understanding of the pressure wave generation and transmission is deeply enhanced by studying the pressure evolution both on board and at trackside, considering both single train passages or two trains crossings and having the possibility to compare aerodynamic loads on sealed and unsealed trains. Furthermore, the position of sensors, the speed of the train, and the initial conditions within the tunnel have been proven to be fundamental parameters for properly estimating the pressure loads on trains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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16 pages, 5888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Dynamic Characteristics of Deformed Concrete Slab Track on Transition Zone in High-Speed Train Line According to Train Speeds

by Sungbum Park, Ja Yeon Kim, Jongwon Kim, Sehee Lee and Kook-Hwan Cho

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7174; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207174 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1946

Abstract

A concrete track, such as Rheda 2000 is commonly used in high-speed railways in Korea, Germany, China, etc., to enhance the operational safety of trains and to reduce the maintenance costs. However, when settlement of embankment or a crack in the concrete slab track occurs, the durability of the concrete track deteriorates significantly. Transition zones are considered to be vulnerable and are often deformed in railway embankments. The characteristics of track support stiffness and stresses on the rail in a deformed section are different from those in an undeformed section. In this study, a field measurement and numerical analysis were carried out to identify the dynamic response on transition zones where the track is deformed. A numerical analysis model was built to simulate the deformed concrete slab track, and it was compared with measured data from field tests for verification. The field tests to measure the stresses on the rail were performed in a train speed range from 280 to 300 km/h. According to the numerical analysis, the dynamic characteristics of the track varied with train speeds, which were then compared with the allowable stresses of the concrete slab track. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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17 pages, 6923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Appropriate Matching Locations of Rail Expansion Regulator and Fixed Bearing of Continuous Beam Considering the Temperature Change of Bridge

by Ping Lou, Te Li, Xinde Huang, Ganggui Huang and Bin Yan

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(17), 6046; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10176046 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1988

Abstract

Due to the temperature change of bridges, there is a great additional force in continuously welded rails on continuous bridges. Laying rail expansion regulators is an effective measure to reduce the additional force. The nonlinear finite element model is presented for a continuously welded rail track with a rail expansion regulator resting on the embankment and simple and continuous beams, considering the temperature change of the bridge. Then, a method is proposed to determine the locations of the rail expansion regulator and the fixed bearing of the continuous beam, corresponding to the maximum additional forces of rail reaching minimum values. Their appropriate matching locations are recommended based on the obtained influence laws of any locations of the rail expansion regulator and the fixed bearing of the continuous beam on the maximum additional forces of rail. The results can provide the theoretical basis for the design of the rail expansion regulator and the fixed bearing of long-span continuous bridges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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17 pages, 4596 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Sequential Track–Bridge Interaction Analysis of Quick-Hardening Track on Bridge Considering Interlayer Friction

by Sanghyeon Cho, Kyoung-Chan Lee, Seung Yup Jang, Ilwha Lee and Wonseok Chung

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5066; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155066 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2255

Abstract

A quick-hardening track (QHT) was developed by injecting quick-hardening mortar into an existing ballast track to rapidly substitute the ballast track with a slab track, thereby improving maintainability and running safety. QHT tracks on a bridge undergo track–bridge interactions similar to other track systems. This paper presents a model to analyze the interaction between the QHT and the bridge. This model considers the longitudinal resistances of rail fasteners and anchors, as well as the interlayer friction between the track and the bridge. A sequential analysis method was applied to systematically consider such effects, revealing that rail additional stress will be high if the track slips over the bridge for a very low frictional coefficient of 0.1. Furthermore, a track segment without an anchor can slip under train traction load when the frictional coefficient is 0.3 or lower. For low friction cases, low-speed operation is advised to prevent the accumulation of the resulting longitudinal slip displacements of the track. An anchor should be installed immediately after the quick-hardening mortar provides sufficient bearing strength to the anchors. The proposed sequential analysis is useful for determining the critical friction coefficient and appropriate longitudinal resistance of a rail fastener, as well as for verifying track safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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21 pages, 8390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue Evaluation of Steel Bridge Details Integrating Multi-Scale Dynamic Analysis of Coupled Train-Track-Bridge System and Fracture Mechanics

by Huile Li and Gang Wu

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093261 - 07 May 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4094

Abstract

Increased running speed and axle weight in the transportation network lead to significant dynamic interactions between the vehicles and bridges. It is essential to capture these interactions in fatigue analysis of steel bridges. This paper presents a framework for fatigue evaluation of critical steel bridge details through multi-scale dynamic analysis of the train-track-bridge system and linear elastic fracture mechanics. The multi-scale coupled dynamic analysis allows accurate and efficient computation of fatigue stresses produced by the moving trains in structural details based on a vehicle-bridge analysis model composed of a 3D vehicle model, multi-scale bridge finite element model including the track system, and a wheel–rail interaction model. Field data from an existing steel-truss railway bridge are used to validate the multi-scale analysis method. Enhanced fatigue evaluation of the bridge detail is performed using the computed fatigue load effects and linear elastic fracture mechanics. The effects of the track irregularity and operating train speed on fatigue crack propagation life are investigated. The presented framework is general and can be applied to other types of steel bridges such as the steel-box girder bridge with orthotropic decks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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18 pages, 6112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Vibration Characteristics of Ballastless Track on Bridges Using an Energy Method

by Hanwen Jiang and Liang Gao

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(7), 2289; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10072289 - 27 Mar 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2038

Abstract

Although the high-speed railway (HSR) system has been widely agreed to be a sustainable and convenient means of transportation, the vibration induced has already been deemed an urgent environmental problem. For the sake of investigating the vibration characteristics of the ballastless track on bridges in the HSR system from the point of view of energy, a numerical model of the vehicle–track–bridge coupled system is developed herein and the energy method based on power flow theory is employed. In addition, a corresponding evaluation method of the power flow theory is developed to evaluate the vibration characteristics of the track–bridge system. The conclusions indicate that (1) the vibration energy gradually attenuates from top to bottom of the track–bridge system in its transfer process. Moreover, the attenuation effects are mainly the result of the elasticity and damping effects of the fasteners and the slab mat layer. (2) With increasing slab mat layer stiffness, the vibration energy of the rail slightly decreases; on the contrary, that of the slab track and the bridge obviously increases. (3) With increasing fastener stiffness, the vibration energy of the entire track–bridge system increases. (4) With increasing running speed, the vibration energy of the entire track–bridge system rises obviously. The results reveal that the reasonable stiffness levels of the fasteners and the slab mat layer are 40 to 60 kN/mm and 40 to 60 MPa/m, respectively, under the investigated condition in this work. This work also presents a novel way to study the vibration characteristics of the ballastless track on bridges of HSRs in terms of energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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28 pages, 11575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sudden Variation Effect of Aerodynamic Loads and Safety Analysis of Running Trains When Entering Tunnel Under Crosswind

by Weichao Yang, E Deng, Zhihui Zhu, Mingfeng Lei, Chenghua Shi and Hong He

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(4), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10041445 - 20 Feb 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2681

Abstract

Sudden variation of aerodynamic loads is a potential source of safety accidents of high-speed trains (HSTs). As a follow-up investigation on the aerodynamic response of a HST that enters a tunnel under crosswind environment, this paper focuses on the transient response of a HST’s safety indices based on the train–track coupling interaction model. Firstly, a wind–train–track coupling dynamic model is proposed by introducing transient aerodynamic loads into the vehicle–track system. Secondly, the temporal evolution of safety coefficients indicates that the train’s safety risk increases during tunnel entry with crosswind. Results show that the derailment coefficients and wheel load reduction rate during tunnel entry are not only larger than those in open air, but also those inside the tunnel are due to the sudden disappearance of wind excitation at the tunnel entrance. In addition, the characteristic wind curve, which is the wind velocity against the train speed, is presented for application based on the current specification of the safety criteria threshold. The investigation will be useful in assessing the safety risk of a running train subjected to other aerodynamic attacks, such as the coupling effect of an infrastructure scenario and crosswind in a windy area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Railway Subsystems)

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