Investigation of differential movement at railroad bridge approaches through geotechnical instrumentation

Railway transitions experience differential movements due to differences in track system stiffness,track damping characteristics,foundation type,ballast settlement from fouling and/or degradation,as well as fill and subgrade settlement.This differential movement is especially problematic for high speed rail infrastructure as the 'bump' at the transition is accentuated at high speeds.Identification of different factors contributing towards this differential movement,as well as development of design and maintenance strategies to mitigate the problem is imperative for the safe and economical operation of both freight and passenger rail networks.This paper presents the research framework and initial instrumentation details from an ongoing research effort at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.Three bridge approaches experiencing recurrent geometry problems were instrumented using multidepth deflectometers(MDDs) and strain gages to identify different factors contributing to the development of differential movements.

The historic evolution of Zhouyuan and the newest activity of the great Wei River fault

The rate of vertical differential movement of the great Weihe fault (west segment) in different periods is analyzed by using the data of the historic evolution of the Zhouyuan plateau surface. Results show that the rate reached a maximum in the Ming Dynasty, about 6. 4 mm/a, which corresponded well to the period of strongearthquake on the Wei River fault in the 15-16th centuries. Based on such a correspondence, the time separation between active periods of Ms=8. 0 strong earthquakes in the Wei River fault depression is investigated.

Fault Systems and Their Mechanisms of the Formation and Distribution of the Tarim Basin,NW China

This article aims to analyze the main controlling factors of development, distribution and evolution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. Based on the seismic profile interpretation, compre- hensive analysis of the drilling and geologic data, six fault systems maybe recognized in the Tarim Basin, they are the foreland fault system of the South Tianshan Mountain, the northern Tarim uplift fault sys- tem, North Tarim depression fault system, central fault system, Southwest Tarim fault system, and Southeast Tarim fault system. It is indicated that the main differences exist at the development, evolu- tion and distribution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. The sub-fault systems can be recognized according to the differences of the fault development and distribution in the interior of the fault system. It is characterized that the multi-level differential development and distribution of the fault systems ex- ist in the Tarim Basin. The fault belt developed in the Paleozoic strata mainly distribute at the pa- leo-uplift and paleo-slope in the interior of the Tarim Basin, and the fault belt occurred in the Meso-Cenozoic beds mainly develop at the peripheral foreland depressions. Zonal and segment differ- ential development and distribution of the fault systems also exist in the Tarim Basin. The formation and distribution of the Tarim fault systems is of complex controlling mechanisms. Poly-phase structural movement and tectonic transition controls the multi-phase differential development and distribution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. Multi-level differential development and distribution is controlled by multi-level detachment belt and regional unconformities. Zonal and segment differential develop- ment and distribution of the Tarim fault systems maybe controlled by pre-existed basement structural texture. The major direction of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin is controlled by the later stage basin-mountain coupling.