Experimental study and numerical simulation of the impact of under-sleeper pads on the dynamic and static mechanical behavior of heavy-haul railway ballast track

Laying the under-sleeper pad(USP)is one of the effective measures commonly used to delay ballast degradation and reduce maintenance workload.To explore the impact of application of the USP on the dynamic and static mechanical behavior of the ballast track in the heavy-haul railway system,numerical simulation models of the ballast bed with USP and without USP are presented in this paper by using the discrete element method(DEM)-multi-flexible body dynamic(MFBD)coupling analysis method.The ballast bed support stiffness test and dynamic displacement tests were carried out on the actual operation of a heavy-haul railway line to verify the validity of the models.The results show that using the USP results in a 43.01%reduction in the ballast bed support stiffness and achieves a more uniform distribution of track loads on the sleepers.It effectively reduces the load borne by the sleeper directly under the wheel load,with a 7.89%reduction in the pressure on the sleeper.Furthermore,the laying of the USP changes the lateral resistance sharing ratio of the ballast bed,significantly reducing the stress level of the ballast bed under train loads,with an average stress reduction of 42.19 kPa.It also reduces the plastic displacement of ballast particles and lowers the peak value of rotational angular velocity by about 50%to 70%,which is conducive to slowing down ballast bed settlement deformation and reducing maintenance costs.In summary,laying the USP has a potential value in enhancing the stability and extending the lifespan of the ballast bed in heavy-haul railway systems.

Finite element analysis on deformation of high embankment in heavy-haul railway subjected to freeze-thaw cycles

Finite element simulations are increasingly providing a versatile environment for this topic. In this study, a two-dimensional finite element analysis is conducted to predict the deformation of high embankment in Bazhun heavy-haul railway, China. A recently developed nonlinear softening-type constitutive model is utilized to model the be- havior of subgrade filling materials subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. For the convenience of practical application, the dynamic loading induced by a vehicle is treated as a quasi-static axle load. The deformation of this embankment with different moisture content under freeze-thaw cycles is compared. The results show that when subjected to the first freeze-thaw cycle, the embankment experienced significant deformation variations. Maximum deformation was usually achieved after the embankment with optimum moisture content experienced six freeze-thaw cycles, however, the em- bankment with moisre content of 8.0% and 9.5% deforms continuously even after experiencing almost ten freeze-thaw cycles. Overall, this study provides a simple nonlinear finite element approach for calculating the deformation of the embankment in changing climate conditions.

Study on the Organization Model of Wagon Flows in Railway Terminal

Railway terminal is an important part of railway network. Transport organization of railway terminal is the key of the railway transport organization. Moreover, the organization of transport work is based on the organization of wagon flows in the railway terminal. Because of the great amounts of equipment and a large number of train operations, the study on railway terminal transport organization is mostly focused on a marshalling station in railway terminal or a part of it. Systematic study taking railway terminal as a whole is very few. In this paper, the organization of wagon flows in a railway terminal is analyzed and a wagon flow model in a railway terminal is established. The main principles of organization of local trains are also presented.

Test and application of 60 kg·m^(−1) bainite rails for heavy-haul railway

Purpose-In order to develop high-strength,high-toughness and high-wear-resistance rails suitable for the development and application of heavy-haul railways.Design/methodology/approach-Based on the trial production of 60 kg·m^(−1) bainite rails,the Zeiss inverted optical microscope,transmission electron microscope and static hydraulic universal tester were used to test the microstructure and property of rail base metal and welded joints.Meanwhile,a trial laying of rails,wing rails of frogs and switch rails for turnouts was performed to systematically analyze their strength,toughness and wear resistance.Findings-The results show that the base metal of 60 kg·m^(−1) bainite rail is of a uniform microstructure,with a carbide-free bainite matrix,a few of stable residual austenite and M/A islands,and it features high hardness,good wear resistance and good strength-toughness balance.The welded joint is of a uniform microstructure and has good properties.Originality/value-A bainite rail,laid in a curve section of heavy-haul railway is able to serve for 48 months with a gross traffic tonnage of nearly 600 million tons,whose service life is more than one time longer than that of pearlite rail;the service life of the wing rail of frog and the switch rail for turnout with 60 kg·m^(−1) bainite rails is 3-4 times longer than that with U75V rails,and no serious damage occurs.The bainite rails also have strong peeling and spalling resistance.

An experimental analysis on the turnover time of railway freight transportation based on the impact strength of factors

Based on the factors impact strength model(FISM), we studied on calculation formulas of influence strength and key elements of FISM, and analyzed the turnover time of railway freight transportation of China. The results show that wagon transfer time is the most critical factor among the three subjective factors of wagons turnover time. The FISM based analysis of wagon transfer time show that the wagon turnover time is significantly correlated with transit time with resorting. Among the seven factors of detention time of transit time with resorting, the time of waiting to departing, converging, and waiting to break-up are key factors, while the time of make-up, break-up, arrival and departure are general factors. We carried out one empirical research based on the data of Baoji East Railway Station in 2015. The results of empirical research and FISM are consistent completely.

Lateral Stability Analysis of Heavy-Haul Vehicle on Curved Track Based on Wheel/Rail Coupled Dynamics

Being viewed from the standpoint of whole system, the hunting stability of a heavy-haul railway vehicle on a curved track is investigated in this paper. First, a model to simulate dynamic performance of the heavy-haul vehicle on the elastic track is developed. Secondly, the reason of the hunting motion is analyzed, and a bifurcation diagram for the vehicle on the curved track is put forward to simulate the nonlinear critical speed. Results show that the hunting motion of the heavy-haul vehicle will appear due to the larger conicity, the initial lateral shift and the wheelset angle of attack. With the hunting motion appearing, the lateral shift and force of the wheelset are changed sharply and periodically with a wave of circa 3.6 m. There is obvious difference in the bifurcation diagram between on a curved track and on a tangent track. Relative to the centerline of the track, each vehicle body on the curved track has two stable cycles. As for the curved track with a radius of 600 m and a superelevation of 55 mm, the nonlinear critical speed of the heavy-haul vehicle is 76.4 km/h.

System integration and innovation of operating 20 kt combined heavy-haul train on Datong-Qinhuangdao line

Datong-Qinhuangdao line, as the first electrified double-track heavy-haul line dedicated to coal transport in China, extends from Datong in the west, and reaches Qinhuangdao in the east, opened to traffic in December, 1992, totaling 653 km with the designed annual traffic volume of 1×108 t. In order to meet the demands of national economic development, the transport capacity of the line must be enhanced greatly. Depending on independent innovation, MOR, for the first time in the world,realizes the integration between GSM-R and Locotrol, the integration between 800 MHz digital radio and Locotrol, and the integration between a single set of Locotrol and SS4 locomotive. Meanwhile, CR develops equipment portfolio for heavy-haul through combining 2 high power locomotives of HXD series (means harmony) with controllable EOT. Relying on integration and innovation, it succeeds in operating 20 kt-level combined heavy-haul train on Datong-Qinhuangdao line, which tripled the annual traffic volume of the line from 1×108 t in 2002 to 3×108 t in 2007.

Research on Optimization of Selection of Train Passing Routes and Division of Shunting Work in Railway Hub

in this paper, a general integer prosramming model is set up, and its solution ispresented to optimize the organization of wagon flows and the determination ofthe train running route as well as division of shuntins work among stations in ahub. As application example is put forword, with some conclusions reached.

Research on emergency rescue technology and equipment for train operation accidents on a heavy-haul railway network

Bridges,tunnels,cuttings and high subgrade account for a relatively large proportion in China’s heavy-haul railway system,where 10000 t of unit trains and 20000 t of combined trains are in operation.When a train operation accident occurs,it can easily cause vehicle intrusions,slant-span lines,tipping and stacking.Based on the viewpoint of system engineering,rescue methods such as hoisting,lifting,pulling and overturning are integrated,according to the characteristics of heavy-haul transport and the construction practice of train accident rescue system.A scheme of technical research and equipment configuration relating to heavy-haul railway rescue in China is put forward based on the situation—embankment,bridge,tunnel(including cuttings),ramp and curve rescue,and so on—and three-dimensional finite-element modelling and calculation checks on the key components are carried out.

Design and implementation of a coal-dust removal device for heavy-haul railway tunnels

The Daqin Railway is China’s first electrified double-track heavy-haul railway line dedicated to coal transportation.Over the years of operation,the tunnels have been covered with a thick layer of coal dust,which also pervades in the air.Worse is that the coal dust has even buried the rail joints in some sections,making the repair and maintenance of the line difficult.This paper introduces a coal-dust removal device for railway tunnels that integrates pipeline transportation with dust-collection techniques.The device is mainly composed of a power system,a conveying system,a dust-filtration and collection system,and a control and protection system.The key technical elements of the system,such as the dust-extraction method and dust-filtration and collection parameters,are optimized based on the characteristics of the coal dust in the tunnel(obtained via field trials),which greatly enhances the adaptability of the device.Coal-dust removal efficiency reached over 20 t/h,which improves the working environment,reduces the intensity of manual work required and solves the problem of coal-dust removal from the most polluted area—within 500 m of the tunnel entrance.

Fatigue damage analysis of ballastless slab track in heavy-haul railway tunnels

A ballastless slab track,which is commonly used in the track structures of heavy-haul railway tunnels,was analysed based on field measurement data of the Fuyingzi Tunnel on the Zhangtang Railway.In accordance with the measured data,the dynamic load thresholds and distributions on the surface and bottom of the ballastless slab track were investigated.A fatigue damage analysis of the ballastless slab track was performed based on the dynamic load time–history curve.The results show that the ballastless slab track can accomplish train load attenuation and reduce the dynamic load from heavy-haul trains by 47.22%from the surface to the bottom.In addition,the distribution at the bottom of the ballastless slab track exhibited a triangular shape,and the dynamic load threshold at the line centre accounted for 78.67%of that at the track position.Meanwhile,the distribution at the surface was saddle-shaped;the dynamic load threshold at the track position accounted for 79.55%of that at the line centre position.The fatigue damage of the ballastless slab track was analysed effectively by combining the measured data and the linear fatigue damage theory.Moreover,the accuracy of the calculation results was verified based on the measured dynamic stress of the ballastless slab track structure.The dynamic action of the train load led to more-concentrated damage to the track bed,and the damage occurred earlier than that in the ordinary line.The axle load was the primary influencing factor of the track bed fatigue damage,and the damage mainly occurred in the track position.These results provide a theoretical basis for performing stress analysis and designing parameters for ballastless slab tracks in heavy-haul railway tunnels.

Refined model analysis of basement rock degradation mechanism of heavy-haul railway tunnel

This study investigated the degradation mechanism of the surrounding rock of a heavy-haul railway under a water-rich condition,based on the construction of the Taihangshan tunnel for the Wari Railway,a heavy-haul railway that used standard construction practices for axle loads of 30 t.Remote monitoring demonstrated that the coupling effect between the dynamic load of a heavy-haul train and the groundwater leads to the deterioration and hollowing of the surrounding rock.This study clarified the void evolution process and deterioration mechanism of the basement rock under the comprehensive influence of the groundwater–train dynamic load using a refined discrete element numerical simulation.The results revealed that the groundwater was the primary influencing factor in the deterioration of the lower part of the heavy-haul railway tunnel.Rock particles were gradually lost under the effects of long-term erosion due to groundwater and heavy-haul trains,which inevitably damaged the basement rock after the construction was completed.Based on this observation,the critical conditions for the deterioration and attenuation law of the physical parameters of the basement rock were obtained.The results of this study can provide ideas and serve as a reference for the forecasting and disaster treatment of basement rock damage in heavy-haul railway tunnels.

Interference mechanism analysis and mitigation measures with railway signalling equipment from harmonics in the traction system

With the development of high-speed railway and heavy-haul rail transport in China,a large number of new types of electric locomotives and electric multiple units have been put into operation,improving the efficiency and equipment quality of railway transportation.However,harmonics emitted from the traction system and locomotives often interfere with the railway signalling equipment,which can lead to critical malfunction of the equipment.Based on field test data,this paper analyses the interference coupling mechanism and magnitude of traction harmonics to the signalling equipment using a three-element method of interference.It examines the three essential elements of electromagnetic interference,studies harmonic mitigation measures and proposes to solve the problem of inteference with signalling equipment by installing a passive high-pass filter in the coupling path.After comparing the effects of several types of filters using simulation tests,this paper verified the validity of the method and concluded that a second-order passive filter is the optimal solution for harmonic interference mitigation.

Research on the performance of heavy-haul rail breakage detection using track circuit

Rail breakage is one of the major safety risks in railway transportation.Because of the large axle weight,high density and large capacity of the heavy-haul railway,the damage to rail caused by heavy-haul train wheels will be more serious than that caused by ordinary passenger and cargo trains,resulting in a higher frequency of rail breakage.Taking the Daqin Railway Line as the research object,this paper analyses and discusses rail breakages occurring in interstation tracks and in-station tracks by establishing the ZPW-2000A track circuit calculation model considering the land leakage resistance between the rail line tracks;introduces the defining standards and measurement index of the broken rail coefficient to quantitatively analyse the influence of various influencing factors on the rail breakage inspection performance under the most unfavourable working conditions;and compares the model simulation data,the laboratory model data and the field test results to verify its effectiveness,so as to provide a reference and theoretical basis for the subsequent improvement and solution of the heavy-haul railway rail breakage problem.