Influence of Water Content on Track Degradation at Transition Zones

This study aims to explore the role of water retention behaviour in track degradation transition zone by examining influence content variation. A model railway bridge approach was built PLAXIS 3D simulate under diverse scenarios. wedge-shaped backfill with unbound granular material (UGM) simulated as a technical solution between abutment and open track. The most distinctive characteristic is that direct relationship soil displacement can be explored. To achieve this, seasonal change moisture subsoil independent variable. variation adopted mimicked wet season (ω = 7.6%), as-compacted 5.6%) dry 3.6%) conditions. results indicate higher strains displacements are obtained for high contents. indicates there clear correlation displacements. In addition, suggest reduction substructure effective mitigating in-service settlement overall stiffness increases result. However, this effect more pronounced at level becomes less important depth formation layer. also shows bump from structure mitigated smooth geometry achieved manipulating content.