Fully-coupled numerical model for ballasted track analysis – Field measurements and predictions

This paper proposes a three-dimensional fully-coupled numerical model intended for the simulation of dynamic behavior ballasted railway tracks under real excitation. It is employed to reproduce response French site located at high-speed line connecting two regions Bretagne and Pays de la Loire. The equation motion solved in time domain by means finite difference method which rails sleepers are represented rectilinear beam elements rigidly attached spatial grid composed rectangular cuboids. An adaptive meshing scheme based on creation load-attached moving nodes adopted train loads supposed be time-independent. To validate simulations, measuring campaign performed tow aligned deflectometers used measure displacement foundation just below ballast layer track centerline. velocity range passenger trains covered four cases taken into consideration ranging from 162 342 km/h. excellent agreement between measurements predictions found. Therefore, presented can considered reliable design new lines.