Conventional and Asphaltic Underlayment Track Performance Subjected to Argo Jati Passenger Trains

Abstract This study performed the 2-dimensional modeling of Indonesia’s conventional track and the asphaltic underlayment track according to four different cyclic loading conditions by varying the train speeds and bogie load of Indonesia’s Argo Jati passenger trains set. Three different mechanical responses were considered, i.e., horizontal strains, vertical stress, and deformation, to investigate and compare the performance of Indonesia’s conventional track and the asphaltic underlayment track and to seek the possibility of Indonesia’s passenger trains to travel with higher speed and heavier axle load in the future. The numerical simulation results conclude that the asphaltic underlayment track capable of serving Argo Jati passenger trains set with the medium speed, 240 km/h, or 100 % higher than the existing operating speed. In addition, the application of a 20 cm asphalt layer below ballast will allow each passenger coach to carry the maximum payload up to 30 tons, or 50 % higher than the existing maximum payload. Furthermore, asphaltic underlayment track utilization in Indonesia’s railway systems could be beneficial for the optimization of the life cycle cost of the rail track since it could reduce the structure’s height, minimize the maintenance needs, and decrease track deterioration especially the mud pumping and deformation.