Comparative analysis on dynamic behavior of two HMA railway substructures

• DOI: 10.1007/bf03325737
• Publication Date: 2013-09-26T23:46:57Z
• Authors: Mingjing Fang; Yanjun Qiu; Jerry G. Rose; Randy C. West; Changfa Ai
• Keywords: 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences

A numerical analysis using a finite element program was performed on three structures: hot mix asphalt (HMA) reinforced trackbed (RACS-1), HMA directly supported trackbed (RACS-2), and traditional Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) slab track (SlabTrack). Although the comprehensive dynamic responses of RACS-1 were similar with SlabTrack, HMA layer can positively affect the stress distributions. In particular, the horizontal stresses indicate that the resilience of RACS-1 was improved relative to SlabTrack. In addition, HMA reinforced substructure has the capac- ity to recover the residual vertical deformation. The effective depth for weakening dynamic loadings is mainly from 0 to 2 m, this being especially true at 0.5 m. The results from the analysis show that HMA is a suitable material for the railway substructure to enhance resilient performance, improve the stress distribution, weaken dynamic loading, and lower the vibration, especially at the effective depth of 2 m. The HMA constructed at the top of the stone subbase layer allows the vertical modulus a smooth transition. In terms of the comprehensive dynamic behaviors, RACS-1 is better than SlabTrack, while the results for RACS-2 are inconclusive and require further research.