A discussion about the limitations of the Eurocode’s high-speed load model for railway bridges

High-speed railway bridges are subjected to normative limitations concerning maximum permissible deck accelerations.For the design of these structures,the European norm EN 1991-2 introduces the high-speed load model(HSLM)—a set of point loads intended to include the effects of existing high-speed trains.Yet,the evolution of current trains and the recent development of new load models motivate a discussion regarding the limits of validity of the HSLM.For this study,a large number of randomly generated load models of articulated,conventional,and regular trains are tested and compared with the envelope of HSLM effects.For each type of train,two sets of 100,000 load models are considered:one abiding by the limits of the EN 1991-2 and another considering wider limits.This comparison is achieved using both a bridge-independent metric(train signatures)and dynamic analyses on a case study bridge(the Canelas bridge of the Portuguese Railway Network).For the latter,a methodology to decrease the computational cost of moving loads analysis is introduced.Results show that some theoretical load models constructed within the stipulated limits of the norm can lead to effects not covered by the HSLM.This is especially noted in conventional trains,where there is a relation with larger distances between centres of adjacent vehicle bogies.

A train timetable rescheduling approach based on multi-train tracking optimization of high-speed railways

Purpose–This paper aims to propose a train timetable rescheduling(TTR)approach from the perspective of multi-train tracking optimization based on the mutual spatiotemporal information in the high-speed railway signaling system.Design/methodology/approach–Firstly,a single-train trajectory optimization(STTO)model is constructed based on train dynamics and operating conditions.The train kinematics parameters,including acceleration,speed and time at each position,are calculated to predict the arrival times in the train timetable.A STTO algorithm is developed to optimize a single-train time-efficient driving strategy.Then,a TTR approach based on multi-train tracking optimization(TTR-MTTO)is proposed with mutual information.The constraints of temporary speed restriction(TSR)and end of authority are decoupled to calculate the tracking trajectory of the backward tracking train.The multi-train trajectories at each position are optimized to generate a timeefficient train timetable.Findings–The numerical experiment is performed on the Beijing-Tianjin high-speed railway line and CR400AF.The STTO algorithm predicts the train’s planned arrival time to calculate the total train delay(TTD).As for the TSR scenario,the proposed TTR-MTTO can reduce TTD by 60.60%compared with the traditional TTR approach with dispatchers’experience.Moreover,TTR-MTTO can optimize a time-efficient train timetable to help dispatchers reschedule trains more reasonably.Originality/value–With the cooperative relationship and mutual information between train rescheduling and control,the proposed TTR-MTTO approach can automatically generate a time-efficient train timetable to reduce the total train delay and the work intensity of dispatchers.

Transformer-Based Macroscopic Regulation for High-Speed Railway Timetable Rescheduling

Unexpected delays in train operations can cause a cascade of negative consequences in a high-speed railway system.In such cases,train timetables need to be rescheduled.However,timely and efficient train timetable rescheduling is still a challenging problem due to its modeling difficulties and low optimization efficiency.This paper presents a Transformer-based macroscopic regulation approach which consists of two stages including Transformer-based modeling and policy-based decisionmaking.Firstly,the relationship between various train schedules and operations is described by creating a macroscopic model with the Transformer,providing the better understanding of overall operation in the high-speed railway system.Then,a policy-based approach is used to solve a continuous decision problem after macro-modeling for fast convergence.Extensive experiments on various delay scenarios are conducted.The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to other popular methods.

Virtual sample generation for model-based prognostics and health management of on-board high-speed train control system

In view of class imbalance in data-driven modeling for Prognostics and Health Management(PHM),existing classification methods may fail in generating effective fault prediction models for the on-board high-speed train control equipment.A virtual sample generation solution based on Generative Adversarial Network(GAN)is proposed to overcome this shortcoming.Aiming at augmenting the sample classes with the imbalanced data problem,the GAN-based virtual sample generation strategy is embedded into the establishment of fault prediction models.Under the PHM framework of the on-board train control system,the virtual sample generation principle and the detailed procedures are presented.With the enhanced class-balancing mechanism and the designed sample augmentation logic,the PHM scheme of the on-board train control equipment has powerful data condition adaptability and can effectively predict the fault probability and life cycle status.Practical data from a specific type of on-board train control system is employed for the validation of the presented solution.The comparative results indicate that GAN-based sample augmentation is capable of achieving a desirable sample balancing level and enhancing the performance of correspondingly derived fault prediction models for the Condition-based Maintenance(CBM)operations.

Model tests on XCC-piled embankment under dynamic train load of high-speed railways

Piled embankments,which offer many advantages,are increasingly popular in construction of high-speed railways in China.Although the performance of piled embankment under static loading is well-known,the behavior under the dynamic train load of a high-speed railway is not yet understood.In light of this,a heavily instrumented piled embankment model was set up,and a model test was carried out,in which a servo-hydraulic actuator outputting M-shaped waves was adopted to simulate the process of a running train.Earth pressure,settlement,strain in the geogrid and pile and excess pore water pressure were measured.The results show that the soil arching height under the dynamic train load of a high-speed railway is shorter than under static loading.The growth trend for accumulated settlement slowed down after long-term vibration although there was still a tendency for it to increase.Accumulated geogrid strain has an increasing tendency after long-term vibration.The closer the embankment edge,the greater the geogrid strain over the subsoil.Strains in the pile were smaller under dynamic train loads,and their distribution was different from that under static loading.At the same elevation,excess pore water pressure under the track slab was greater than that under the embankment shoulder.

High-Speed Railway Train Timetable Conflict Prediction Based on Fuzzy Temporal Knowledge Reasoning

Trains are prone to delays and deviations from train operation plans during their operation because of internal or external disturbances. Delays may develop into operational conflicts between adjacent trains as a result of delay propagation, which may disturb the arrangement of the train operation plan and threaten the operational safety of trains. Therefore, reliable conflict prediction results can be valuable references for dispatchers in making more efficient train operation adjustments when conflicts occur. In contrast to the traditional approach to conflict prediction that involves introducing random disturbances, this study addresses the issue of the fuzzification of time intervals in a train timetable based on historical statistics and the modeling of a high-speed railway train timetable based on the concept of a timed Petri net. To measure conflict prediction results more comprehensively, we divided conflicts into potential conflicts and certain conflicts and defined the judgment conditions for both. Two evaluation indexes, one for the deviation of a single train and one for the possibility of conflicts between adjacent train operations, were developed using a formalized computation method. Based on the temporal fuzzy reasoning method, with some adjustment, a new conflict prediction method is proposed, and the results of a simulation example for two scenarios are presented. The results prove that conflict prediction after fuzzy processing of the time intervals of a train timetable is more reliable and practical and can provide helpful information for use in train operation adjustment, train timetable improvement, and other purposes.

Statistical delay distribution analysis on high-speed railway trains

The focus of this study is to explore the statis-tical distribution models of high-speed railway (HSR) train delays. Based on actual HSR operational data, the delay causes and their classification, delay frequency, number of affected trains, and space–time delay distributions are discussed. Eleven types of delay events are classified, and a detailed analysis of delay distribution for each classifica-tion is presented. Models of delay probability delay prob-ability distribution for each cause are proposed. Different distribution functions, including the lognormal, exponen-tial, gamma, uniform, logistic, and normal distribution, were selected to estimate and model delay patterns. The most appropriate distribution, which can approximate the delay duration corresponding to each cause, is derived. Subsequently, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K–S) test was used to test the goodness of fit of different train delay distribution models and the associated parameter values. The test results show that the distribution of the test data is consistent with that of the selected models. The fitting distribution models show the execution effect of the timetable and help in finding out the potential conflicts in real-time train operations.

Development of a simulation model for dynamic derailment analysis of high-speed trains

The running safety of high-speed trains has become a major concern of the current railway research with the rapid development of high-speed railways around the world.The basic safety requirement is to prevent the derailment.The root causes of the dynamic derailment of highspeed trains operating in severe environments are not easy to identify using the field tests or laboratory experiments.Numerical simulation using an advanced train–track interaction model is a highly efficient and low-cost approach to investigate the dynamic derailment behavior and mechanism of high-speed trains.This paper presents a three-dimensional dynamic model of a high-speed train coupled with a ballast track for dynamic derailment analysis.The model considers a train composed of multiple vehicles and the nonlinear inter-vehicle connections.The ballast track model consists of rails,fastenings,sleepers,ballasts,and roadbed,which are modeled by Euler beams,nonlinear spring-damper elements,equivalent ballast bodies,and continuous viscoelastic elements,in which the modal superposition method was used to reduce the order of the partial differential equations of Euler beams.The commonly used derailment safety assessment criteria around the world are embedded in the simulation model.The train–track model was then used to investigate the dynamic derailment responses of a high-speed train passing over a buckled track,in which the derailmentmechanism and train running posture during the dynamic derailment process were analyzed in detail.The effects of train and track modelling on dynamic derailment analysis were also discussed.The numerical results indicate that the train and track modelling options have a significant effect on the dynamic derailment analysis.The inter-vehicle impacts and the track flexibility and nonlinearity should be considered in the dynamic derailment simulations.

Progress in high-speed train technology around the world

This is a review of high-speed train development in the sense of technology advances all over the world. Three generations of high-speed trains are classified according to their technical characteristics and maximum operating speed. Emphasis is given to the newly developed high-speed train in China, CRH380. The theoretical foundations and future development of CRH380 are briefly discussed.

Experimental study on dynamic load magnification factor for ballastless track-subgrade of high-speed railway

The magnitude of dynamic load produced by high-speed trains depends on many factors,of which train speed is the most critical one.However,it is quite difficult to determine the effect of train speed on dynamic load using the theoretical methods due to the complexity of the interaction between vehicle and track-subgrade.Thus large-scale model test has gradually become an important approach for studying dynamic responses of ballastless track-subgrade of high-speed railway.In this study,a full-scale model of ballastless track-subgrade was constructed in accordance with the design and construction standards for Shanghai-Nanjing intercity high-speed railway line firstly.Then,the dynamic strain of slab and the dynamic earth pressure of subgrade were measured by conducting single wheel axle excitation test.In addition,the relationship between the dynamic load magnification factor（DLF） and the train speed was obtained.Finally,the DLF of track-subgrade under different train speeds was proposed,similar to that given by German Railway Standard.

Calculation method for station carrying capacity of high-speed railway based on station blocking time method

A station carrying capacity calculation method based on the station blocking time method is proposed.According to the station track circuit groups,signal system and station topological structure,the station blocks are divided and the division principle is proposed.Then the train routes model is built based on the station blocking time method.The calculation methods of the train arrival headway and departure headway at the station are redefined.The optimal capacity calculation model and algorithm based on a given train operation plan are studied by analyzing the optimal operation sequence of trains with different train speeds and operation types.With the case study of Jinan West Railway Station of Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway in China,the minimum arrival headway between two trains with the speeds of 300 and 250 km/h can be reduced to 3.0 and 2.7 min,respectively.The maximum calculation results of the calculation methods can be increased from 13 train/h to 16 train/h.This method can increase the number of trains within a period of time in a station while meeting the transport organization and passenger service requirements.

The coupled vibration of train and bridge as high-speed trains meet in crosswind

Purpose–This paper aims to study the influence of aerodynamics force of trains passing each other on the dynamic response of vehicle bridge coupling system based on numerical simulation and multi-body dynamics and put forward the speed threshold for safe running of train under different crosswind speeds.Design/methodology/approach–The computational fluid dynamics method is adopted to simulate the aerodynamic force in the whole process of train passing each other by using dynamic grid technology.The dynamic model of vehicle-bridge coupling system is established considering the effects of aerodynamic force of train passing each other under crosswind,the dynamic response of train intersection on the bridge under crosswind is computed and the running safety of the train is evaluated.Findings–The aerodynamic force of trains’intersection has little effects on the derailment factor,lateral wheel-rail force and vertical acceleration of train,but it increases the offload factor of train and significantly increases the lateral acceleration of train.The crosswind has a significant effect on increasing the derailment factor,lateral wheel-rail force and offload factor of train.The offload factor of train is the key factor to control the threshold of train speed.The impact of the aerodynamic force of trains’intersection on running safety cannot be ignored.When the extreme values of crosswind wind speed are 15 m$s
1,20 m$s
1 and 25 m$s
1,respectively,the corresponding speed thresholds for safe running of train are 350 km$h
1,275 km$h
1 and 200 km$h
1,respectively.Originality/value–The research can provide a more precise numerical method to study the running safety of high-speed trains under the aerodynamic effect of trains passing each other on bridge in crosswind.

Mechanical characteristic variation of ballastless track in highspeed railway:effect of train–track interaction and environment loads

Due to the fact that ballastless tracks in highspeed railways are not only subjected to repeated train–track dynamic interaction loads,but also suffer from complex environmental loads,the fundamental understanding of mechanical performance of ballastless tracks under sophisticated service conditions is an increasingly demanding and challenging issue in high-speed railway networks.This work aims to reveal the effect of train–track interaction and environment loads on the mechanical characteristic variation of ballastless tracks in high-speed railways,particularly focusing on the typical interface damage evolution between track layers.To this end,a finite element model of a double-block ballastless track involving the cohesive zone model for the track interface is first established to analyze the mechanical properties of the track interface under the loading–unloading processes of the negative temperature gradient load(TGL)followed by the same cycle of the positive TGL.Subsequently,the effect of wheel–rail longitudinal interactions on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the track interface is investigated by using a vehicle-slab track vertical-longitudinal coupled dynamics model.Finally,the influence of dynamic water pressure induced by vehicle dynamic load on the mechanical characteristics and damage evolution of the track interface is elucidated using a fluid–solid coupling method.Results show that the loading history of the positive and negative TGLs has a great impact on the nonlinear development and distribution of the track interface stress and damage;the interface damage could be induced by the wheel–rail longitudinal vibrations at a high vehicle running speed owing to the dynamic amplification effect caused by short wave irregularities;the vehicle dynamic load could produce considerable water pressure that presents nonlinear spatial–temporal characteristics at the track interface,which would lead to the interface failure under a certain condition due to the coupled dynamic effect of vehicle load and water pressure.

Seismic safety assessment of trains running on high-speed railway bridges with chloride-induced corroding piers

For the lifetime assessment of the running safety of a train in aggressive environments and earthquake-prone areas,the effects of corrosion on seismic performance must be considered.Research on the running safety of trains,including corrosion damage,is limited,despite the fact that seismic safety assessment of trains on high-speed railway bridges has been extensively examined.In this work,the running safety of a train was evaluated using a time-varying corroded bridge finite-element model established in OpenSees.Two pier types were considered,and three ground-motion types were selected for performing seismic performance evaluations.Subsequently,the seismic response of the corroded bridge-track structure under an earthquake was analyzed.The spectrum intensity was used as the structural response index for the running safety assessment of trains under earthquakes,and the long-term safety of trains on bridges with different pier heights and earthquake types,considering different corroding deterioration,was evaluated.The results indicate that under low-level earthquakes,piers are primarily in a linear elastic state and least influenced by corrosion;whereas under high-level earthquakes,the running safety of trains on a bridge significantly deteriorates after corrosion,particularly for high-pier bridges,mainly because the corroded piers are more likely to yield lower post-yield stiffness.The results of this study suggest that in the seismic safety assessment of trains on corroded bridges,timevarying seismic performance characteristics should be considered.

Impact of extreme climate and train traffic loads on the performance of high-speed railway geotechnical infrastructures

High-speed railways are very important in global transportation.However,the railway subgrade is significantly affected by the environment due to its exposure to the atmosphere.At present,global warming is the primary trend in world climate change and seriously damages railway infrastructure.Owing to the coupling effect of extreme environmental and train loads,various subgrade problems tend to arise,such as settlement,ballast fouling,and mud pumping,thus inducing frequent railway accidents and reducing travel safety.Insights into the problems triggered by extreme climate and train loads are critical to the design and long-term operation of high-speed railway subgrades.This study therefore presents a detailed survey of recent advances in typical subgrade problems through analyzing the problem formation mechanisms and influences.Traditional and emerging detection/monitoring technologies in respect of subgrade problems are discussed in detail,as well as pre-accident and post-accident maintenance methods.Finally,according to the existing challenges in long-term subgrade shakedown assessment,an outlook on open opportunities is provided for future research.

A review on design and testing methodologies of modern freight train draft gear system

Rolling stock connection systems are key to running longer and heavier trains as they provide both the connections of vehicles and the damping,providing the longitudinal suspension of the train.This paper focuses on the evolution of both connection and stiffness damping systems.Focus is on freight rolling stock,but passenger draw gears are also examined.It was found that connection systems have evolved from the buff and chain system used in the pioneer railways of the 1800s to the modern auto-coupler connection systems that are in-service worldwide today.Refined versions of the buff and chain coupling are,however,still in use in the EU,UK,South America and India.A wide range of auto-coupler systems are currently utilised,but the AAR coupler(Janney coupler)remains the most popular.A further variation that persists is the SA3 coupler(improved Wilson coupler)which is an alternative auto-coupler design used mainly throughout the former Soviet Union.Restricting the review to auto-coupler systems allowed the paper to focus on draft gears which revealed polymer,polymer-friction,steel spring-friction,hydraulic draft gears and sliding sill cushioning systems.Along with the single compressive draft gear units balanced and floating plate configurations are also presented.Typical draft gear acceptance standards are presented along with modelling that was included to aid in presentation of the functional characteristics of draft gears.

JR East aims for driverless Shinkansen operation

East Japan Railway Company(JR East)is aiming to“realize driverless train operation”as one of the key measures to respond to rapid changes in the business environment.Currently,Automatic Train Operation(ATO)equipment is not installed on the Shinkansen,but there are plans to introduce ATO or driverless operation in the near future.From 2018-2021,the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,Transport and Tourism(MLIT)held the“ATO Technology Study Group for Railways”in which the concept of technical requirements necessary for driverless operation was discussed.In 2021,JR East conducted the GOA4 demonstration test on the Joetsu Shinkansen.In this test,we were able to confirm the basic functions of Shinkansen vehicles such as automatic departure control,speed control,fixed position stop control,and remote stop control using ATO.We aim to realize unattended operation(GOA4)for deadhead trains between Niigata Station and the Niigata Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center by the end of the 2020 s,and driverless operation(GOA3)for passenger trains of the Joetsu Shinkansen by the mid-2030s and continue to develop the necessary technologies and build systems.

Aerodynamic effects on a railway tunnel with partially changed cross-sectional area

The present study numerically explored the aerodynamic performance of a novel railway tunnel with a partially reduced cross-section.The impact of the reduction rate of the tunnel cross-section on wave transmissions was analyzed based on the three-dimensional,unsteady,compressible,and RNG k-εturbulence model.The results highlight that the reduction rate(S)most affects pressure configurations at the middle tunnel segment,followed by the enlarged segments near access,and finally the exit.The strength of the newly generated compression wave at the tunnel junction where the cross-section abruptly changes increases exponentially with the decrease of the cross-sectional area.The maximum peak-to-peak pressureΔP on the tunnel and train surface for non-uniform tunnels is reduced by 10.7%and 13.8%,respectively,compared with those of equivalent uniform tunnels.Overall,the economic analysis suggests that the aerodynamic performance of the developed tunnel prototype surpasses those conventional tunnels based on the same excavated volume.

Mitigation of high-speed trains vibrations by expanded polystyrene blocks in railway embankments

The vibrations induced by the passage of high-speed trains(HSTs)are considered a crucial issue in the field of environmental and geotechnical engineering.Several wave barriers have been investigated to reduce the detrimental effects of HST-induced vibrations.This study is focused on the potential implementation of an innovative mitigation technique to alleviate the developed vibrations.In particular,the use of expanded polystyrene(EPS)blocks as partial fill material of embankment slopes was examined.The efficiency of the proposed mitigation technique was numerically investigated.More specifically,a 3 D soil-track model was developed to study the cross-section of a railway track,embankment,and the underlying soil layers.The passage of the HST,Thalys,was simulated using a moving load method,and the soil response was calculated at several distances from the track.Several parameters influenced the effectiveness of the examined mitigation measure.Therefore,to ensure an optimal design,a robust procedure is necessary which considers the impact of these factors.Hence,the implementation of EPS blocks on several embankments with different geometry,in terms of height and slope angle,was investigated.

Unsteady slipstream of a train passing through a high-speed railway tunnel with a cave

The cave is of great importance for the storage of equipment and to avoid having workers in the tunnel,but it changes the tunnel section,leads to a change of slipstream and affects the safety of trains and workers.The Re-normalization group(RNG)k-εturbulence method is used to investigate the slipstream induced by a single train passing through a double-track tunnel at 350 km/h.The slipstream in a tunnel with and without a cave is compared.The slipstream components in three directions are reported comprehensively.The results show that the existence of a cave changes the slipstream at the tail of the train.At measurement points before and after the train passes the cave,the intensity of the slipstream at the tail ismitigated;as the train passes the cave,the tail slipstream is enhanced to a certain extent.With increasing lateral distance,the peak value of the slipstream with a cave decreases faster than that without a cave.These findings suggest that the presence of a cave mitigates the slipstream intensity,but special attention should be paid to the design of ancillary facilities,especially their relative location.