Effect of temperature gradientinduced periodic deformation of CRTS Ⅲ slab track on dynamic responses of the train-track system

Purpose-Temperature is an important load for a ballastless track.However,little research has been conducted on the dynamic responses when a train travels on a ballastless track under the temperature gradient.The dynamic responses under different temperature gradients of the slab are theoretically investigated in this work.Design/methodology/approach-Considering the moving train,the temperature gradient of the slab,and the gravity of the slab track,a dynamic model for a high-speed train that runs along the CRTS Ⅲ slab track on subgrade is developed by a nonlinear coupled way in Abaqus.Findings-The results are as follows:(1)The upward transmission of the periodic deformation of the slab causes periodic track irregularity.(2)Because of the geometric constraint of limiting structures,the maximum bending stresses of the slab occur near the end of the slab under positive temperature gradients,but in the middle of the slab under negative temperature gradients.(3)The periodic deformation of the slab can induce periodic changes in the interlayer stiffness and contact status,leading to a large vibration of the slab.Because of the vibration-reduction capacity of the fastener and the larger mass of the concrete base,the accelerations of both the slab and concrete base are far less than the acceleration of the rail.Originality/value-This study reveals the influence mechanism of temperature gradient-induced periodic deformation in the dynamic responses of the train-track system,and it also provides a guide for the safe service of CRTS Ⅲ slab track.

Viscoelastic deformation behavior of cement and emulsified asphalt mortar in China railway track system I prefabricated slab track

Under repeated train-induced loads, cement and emulsified asphalt mortar(CA mortar) as a viscoelastic material has a time-dependent deformation, part of which is irreversible. This could lead to debonding between the mortar layer and the track slab. Based on the theory of viscoelasticity and the analytical method of the time hardening law(THL), the viscoelastic deformation behavior of CA mortar was studied. Using ABAQUS, we established a solid model of China railway track system(CRTS) Ⅰ prefabricated slab track, with CA mortar at different initial Young’s moduli under cyclic loading corresponding to the influence of actual train loads. The results reveal that the fitted parameters of the THL for CA mortar are suitable for describing its viscoelastic deformation. As the initial Young’s modulus increases, the strain difference before and after cyclic loading gradually decreases, and the displacement difference increases from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. The deformation mainly occurs at the end of a mortar layer with longitudinal distribution of about 2.5 times the fasteners’ spacing. It follows that the viscoelastic performance of CA mortar is one of the most important reasons that cause debonding underneath the track slab. Therefore, we suggest that the adverse effects of viscoelastic behavior of CA mortar should be considered when researching such deformation and damage.