Modeling the loading behavior of railway structure under static load using a verified 3D finite element model

Abstract

When trying to optimize the life-cycle behavior of railway structures it is <br/>important to identify the main deformation factors of the structure and to understand the influence mechanisms behind these. Due to the complex behavior of railway structures, powerful numerical tools are needed to get realistic simulation results. Therefore, the focus of this study has been to create a three-dimensional finite element model to simulate the loading behavior of railway structures under static load using non-linear material models. The model <br/>is verified using measured field data from heavily instrumented test structures. The calculations mainly focus on the behavior of railway embankments of different subgrade stiffness and axel load levels. It is shown that subgrade stiffness seems to have a major role on the behavior of railway structures, whereas the influence of the axel load seems to be fairly linear.