Feasibility study of calculation methods for tram track stiffness

Abstract

Nowadays, design and construction of new urban tramlines require feasibility study of calculation methods for stiffness. A calculation method for tram track stiffness with noise and vibration insulation systems has been developed in this paper. Theoretical analysis of the impact of rail insulation systems on tram-to-slab load transfer has revealed the potential options and factors influencing the choice of a system. The new design method obtained makes it possible to predict the distribution of loads on the load-bearing foundation surface. Different variants of rail/slab load distribution have been determined depending on the mechanical characteristics of rail profiles. Tram track slab stiffness has been calculated for three design models such as rigid surface pavement, bridge structure and foundation slab. The design of the tram track as foundation slab allows calculating slab reinforcement as accurately as possible because the surface pavement takes into account the planned service life and tram flow density in the area under survey.Field experiments have demonstrated a better convergence of theoretical and experimental data when designing the slab as foundation. As a result, a new method for calculating the foundation slab stiffness of a tram track has been proposed taking into account planned service life, tram flow density and other factors.