Experimental study on mechanical properties of heavy-haul low-vibration track under train static load

In this paper, a full-scale model of Low Vibration Track was established and three working conditions were applied to a single bearing block; these include: vertical load at the end of the track slab, combination of horizontal and vertical load at the end of the track slab, and vertical load at the middle of the track slab. By applying four times static wheel load to the full-scale model, the relationship between the stress of the track structure and the load under different working conditions was investigated. The corresponding load values were obtained when the track slab and the bearing block reached the axial tensile strength of the concrete. Through the static load test, the weak position of the track structure was found, and the development trend of the crack was obtained. (1) Obtained the maximum stress of the concrete of the track slab at the corner of the bearing block, the maximal stress of the concrete of the track slab, the stress at the bottom of the bearing block, and the stress at the bottom of the bearing block under different working conditions. (2) The horizontal load of the train increased the force of the track slab concrete at the corners of the bearing block. (3) Compared the strain of different location of the track slab and different working conditions. (4) Observed the positions of slight crack and its development trend appeared on track slabs in different working conditions. (5) For the weak part of the track structure, it can be improved by measures such as increasing the thickness of the end of the track slab and arranging stirrups in the track slab around the support block. The research results provide reference for the design, application and maintenance of Low Vibration Track in the heavy-haul railway tunnel.