Analysis of static forces generated in-track on a railway sleeper resting on an elastic foundation due to structural imperfections using the PONTOS system

Poznan University of Technology, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Piotrowo 5, 60-965 Poznań, Poland

^* Corresponding author: wlodzimierz.bednarek@put.poznan.pl

Abstract

In the paper a considered railway sleeper was analysed as an Euler-Bernoulli beam and a Timoshenko beam of finite length resting on a oneand two-parameter foundation. The foundation parameters were determined based on a modified and analogue Vlasov soil model and field investigations. The main concept for the executed investigations was to induce an intentional imperfection in an actual railway track, propose a way of appropriate measurement (e.g. the PONTOS system by GOM mbh), and utilize author’s field investigations results to calibrate necessary parameters for theoretical calculations. An experimental formula describing the value of the force transferred from the rail to the railway sleeper on the grounds of the survey site caused by a locomotive was given. Furthermore, the deflection of the chosen railway sleeper due to the generated imperfection was analysed. Finally the objective of the present analysis was to resolve the calculations into the beam element such that the results can be utilised in computational railway practice. In the presented paper also the computational examples, diagrams and tables reflecting influence of analyzed parameters on obtained a CWR track’s displacements are enclosed.