Dynamic behaviour of high-speed rail fastenings in the presence of desert sand. (1st August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carrascal, I.A.; Casado, J.A.; Diego, S.; Polanco, J.A.
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 117(2016)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2016-08-01
• Subjects: FSi load applied in the static stiffness test -- dS displacement measured in the static stiffness test -- kS vertical static stiffness -- FLFPi load applied in the dynamic stiffness test -- dLFP displacement measured in the dynamic stiffness test -- kLFP (i) dynamic stiffness at a frequency of i Hz -- δvp the vertical rail basement displacement -- δhc the horizontal rail head displacement; Sand -- Fastening -- Fatigue -- Wear -- Rail pad -- Railway -- High speed; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.05.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Fastening system characterisation for railway under extreme conditions (sandstorms). The tested fastening system is not designed to work in the presence of sand. A slight change in the rail pad design could improve its dynamic behaviour in sand. The presence of sand modifies the mechanical properties of the fastening system. The sand does not affect the mechanical properties of individual system components. Abstract: High-speed lines in Saudi Arabia are subjected to sandstorms. These environmental conditions are not established at laboratory level. This work studies the influence of the presence of sand on the dynamic behaviour of the fastening system. So the evolution of the system is analysed under simulated sandstorm conditions and it is compared with the standard one. Results indicate that the presence of sand in the fastening system generates wear on the sleeper and increases the stiffness after the fatigue test. However, this fact does not modify both the mechanical behaviour and the durability of the individual elements.