Statics performance of heavy-haul railway low-vibration track (LVT) under varying loading condition with the finite element method

Low-Vibration Tracks (LVTs) are widely used in subway tunnels for their excellent performance, but the application in heavy-duty railways still requires a lot of feasibility studies. In this study, the statics performance of LVT under different axle loads, load direction, and load position is explored using the finite element software Abaqus. The Timoshenk beam element and nonlinear spring element 3D solid element are used to represent rails, fasteners, and the other track structure respectively. The paper established the finite element model of LVT to study the mechanical characteristics of low vibration track structure under varying loading condition. The applied loads are determined according to the Heavy-Haul Railway Track Structure Design Code. The results shows: (1) The deformation and stress of the LVT structure show a linear relationship with the increase of the axle load. (2) Slab end loading and lateral load are more unfavorable to the stress and deformation of the track structure. When slab end is loaded with vertical load, the vertical load is distributed on four supporting blocks along the longitudinal direction with a ratio of 1:4:4:1, and the lateral direction is mainly borne by two adjacent fastener nodes with the total load proportion of 47% and 47% respectively. (3) The LVT structure can guarantee the safety of static performance under 30 t axle load and the maximum axle load should not exceed 36 t. The paper provides a guideline for the construction and maintenance of LVT structure in heavy haul railway.