Experimental and numerical study on lateral and longitudinal resistance of ballasted track with nailed sleeper

Lateral and longitudinal resistance of ballasted track are two main indicators for the stability quantification. Aiming at improving lateral resistance, nailed sleeper is studied with single push tests (SSPTs) discrete element modelling (DEM). The SSPTs were applied to study how much can improve, considering different nail lengths (100, 200, 400 mm), also used calibrate validate DEM models. With validated models, simulation conditions performed compared confirm optimal length 200 mm) number (2, 4). Results show that applying sleepers improves by 53.7% 39.2%. 4 nails, 2 increase 20.2% 10.6% (nail length: 100 as well 37.0% 33.5% respectively.