The transition zone between railway embankment and structures, or different track types is known to be an area in which problems often arise and where extra care needs to be taken with maintenance. Differences in track stiffness have dynamic effects...
The transition zone between railway embankment and structures, or different track types is known to be an area in which problems often arise and where extra care needs to be taken with maintenance. Differences in track stiffness have dynamic effects and these increase the force in the track and the extent of deformation.
In this study, the criteria for the change ratio of track stiffness along transition area, and proper transition length are presented through train/track interaction analyses. Those are derived on the basis of permissible limitations of train and track performances such as rail stress, uplift force of fastener, reduction of dynamic wheel force, and acceleration of car body. A feasible method of evaluation of track stiffness which is necessary when a designer reviews whether the criteria are satisfied or not is also presented.