This paper discusses the critical speed (the `bow-wave' effect) and how it is influenced by soil stiffness. In order to reach the centers of major conurbation, modern high- speed rail lines are increasingly utilizing marginal land avoiding previously built housing areas. This land often has low soil stiffness. The critical speed of waves across such soils can approach the speed of modern high-speed trains. The large deflections caused can increase environmental noise and the track maintenance required and decrease ride quality. This paper discusses how the effect of train speeds can be predicted using computer modeling and an instrumented impact device. The modeling of possible remedies to the problem are discussed. A convolution teclmique is used to model axles travelling at different speeds and the effects of multiple axles. The resulting displacements are highly dependent on the amount of damping introduced into the system modeled. In-situ testing, laboratory testing and finite element modeling are compared and are shown to provide consistent results. The conclusion is that a powerful analytical tool for the prediction of the `bow-wave' effect has been devised.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    The `Bow-Wave' Effect in Soft Subgrade Beneath High Speed Rail Lines



    Conference:

    Specialty Conference on Performance Confirmation of Constructed Geotechnical Facilities ; 2000 ; Amherst, Massachusetts, United States



    Publication date :

    2000-04-03




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Resilient Modulus of Soft Soil Beneath High-Speed Rail Lines

    Heelis, Mchael / Dawson, Andrew / Collop, Andrew et al. | Transportation Research Record | 1999



    Building track over soft subgrade

    Rossiter, B. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1930


    How to relieve soft subgrade

    Miyako, J. / Takeshita, S. / Akahane, M. et al. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1965


    Bimodal Use of High-Speed Rail Lines

    Guirao, Begoña / Menéndez, José / Rivas, Ana | Transportation Research Record | 2005