A multi-scale gap-bridging CWE approach to windblown sand action on critical infrastructures: Modelling framework and case study on a high-speed railway line

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2024.105722
• Publication Date: 2024-04-19T16:24:41Z
• Authors: Manuel Gageik; Carlos-José Rodri...; Nicolas Coste; Lorenzo Raffaele
• Keywords: Macro; Stock (firearms); Railway line

Windblown sand action on critical infrastructures, such as high-speed railway lines, can completely inhibit their operation detrimentally affecting safety and capacity. Several key components of the infrastructure are affected, among them rolling stock material equipment. Computational Wind Engineering (CWE) is becoming more adopted during different design stages to assess impact windblown sand. However, CWE-based analysis remain challenging because scales involved in transport starting from full alignment scale (macro-scale), body (meso-scale), (micro-scale). An innovative multi-scale modelling approach proposed bridge gap between macro micro processes, allowing components. exploratory case study addressing sandy environment along an line analysed discussed. This demonstrates soundness identifying most endangered segments, sedimentation-prone areas components, quantifying at scales. The well suited also support conceptual Sand Mitigation Measures.