Analysis of vibrations in a modeled ballasted track using measured rail defects

Abstract

Vibrations caused by trains and transmitted to the ground and structures nearby are a known source of problems related to railways. Therefore this phenomenon should be studied in detail to avoid a negative impact in the environment. Within this framework, the article develops an improved version of a previously published analytical model capable of predicting ground vibrations caused by the passing of railway vehicles. The new features include a new formulation of the models with five layers of material and an enhanced load input process that takes into account actual rail defects data as well as the Hertz theory for the rail-wheel contact. The model is adapted to a conventional ballasted track in Solares (Spain) and calibrated and validated with data gathered on-site. Hence the model is proved to reproduce vibrations in rather different track typologies properly, constituting a useful research and design tool.