Numerical analysis of ballastless asphalt tracks subjected to dynamic loads

T. Bose, V. Zania*, E. Levenberg

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

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    Abstract

    This study presented the results of numerical analyses for a ballastless asphalt track. The asphalt layer was modelled as a linear viscoelastic (LVE) solid that was resting on an unbound granular layer (UGL) simulated as a non-linear (stress-state dependent) elastic medium. The mechanical properties of these layers were calibrated from laboratory element tests. For a given structural arrangement, the model was interrogated under a vertical impulse load to assess the sensitivity of selected responses to temperature and to the initial compactioninduced horizontal stresses in the UGL. It was found that horizontal tensile strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer, vertical stresses below the UGL, and vertical surface accelerations were all very sensitive to temperature levels. The vertical surface accelerations were also found to be sensitive to the level of compaction-induced stresses in the UGL. In contrast, the other two responses exhibited a moderate dependency on the lateral stresses. The results from this numerical study provide a better overall understanding of the mechanical behaviour of ballastless asphalt tracks.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationChallenges and Innovations in Geomechanics : IACMAG 2021
    PublisherSpringer
    Publication date2021
    Pages249-257
    ISBN (Print)978-3-030-64517-5
    ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-64518-2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2021
    Event16th International Conference of the International Association for Computer Methods and Advances in Geomechanics - Politecnico di Torino Conference Centre, Torino, Italy
    Duration: 30 Aug 20222 Sept 2022
    Conference number: 16

    Conference

    Conference16th International Conference of the International Association for Computer Methods and Advances in Geomechanics
    Number16
    LocationPolitecnico di Torino Conference Centre
    Country/TerritoryItaly
    CityTorino
    Period30/08/202202/09/2022
    SeriesLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
    Volume126
    ISSN2366-2557

    Keywords

    • Ballastless asphalt track
    • Compaction induced stress
    • Dynamic analysis
    • Finite element model
    • Temperature

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