Benefits of lower-mass trains for high speed rail operations

Rochard, Bernard P.; Schmid, Félix

doi:10.1680/tran.2004.157.1.51

Cited by 20 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…In turn, P 2 forces are related to the mechanical resistance of the ballast layer against the shock, leading to its significant deformation. Hence, the forces P 2 are of greater relevance concerning track substructure deterioration (e.g., [51]) and should be controlled in order to ensure the safety of the track system. Figure 8b compares the values of P 2 measured in tests T1 to T4 throughout the repeated impact blows.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Geogrids and Recycled Rubber in Railroad Infrastructure for Enhanced Performance

Indraratna

Ngo

et al. 2019

Geosciences

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Railway tracks are conventionally built on compacted ballast and structural fill layers placed above the natural (subgrade) foundation. However, during train operations, track deteriorations occur progressively due to ballast degradation. The associated track deformation is usually accompanied by a reduction in both load bearing capacity and drainage, apart from imposing frequent track maintenance. Suitable ground improvement techniques involving plastic inclusions (e.g., geogrids) and energy absorbing materials (e.g., rubber products) to enhance the stability and longevity of tracks have become increasingly popular. This paper presents the outcomes from innovative research and development measures into the use of plastic and rubber elements in rail tracks undertaken at the University of Wollongong, Australia, over the past twenty years. The results obtained from laboratory tests, mathematical modelling and numerical modelling reveal that track performance can be improved significantly by using geogrid and energy absorbing rubber products (e.g., rubber crumbs, waste tire-cell and rubber mats). Test results show that the addition of rubber materials can efficiently improve the energy absorption of the structural layer and also reduce ballast breakage. Furthermore, by incorporating the work input parameters, the energy absorbing property of the newly developed synthetic capping layer is captured by correct modelling of dilatancy. In addition, the laboratory behavior of tire cells and geogrids has been validated by numerical modelling (i.e., Finite Element Modelling-FEM, Discrete Element—DEM), and a coupled DEM-FEM modelling approach is also introduced to simulate ballast deformation.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Geogrids and Recycled Rubber in Railroad Infrastructure for Enhanced Performance

Indraratna

Ngo

et al. 2019

Geosciences

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“…Therefore, P 2 forces are of great importance in the analysis of track degradation (e.g. [57]). Figure 14 presents the evolution of the maximum P 1 and P 2 forces recorded over the repeated impact blows in the tests carried out on an unreinforced ballast sample, samples with rubber mats placed either at the bottom or top of the ballast layer, and a sample with rubber mats beneath the ballast layer and a geogrid at 100 mm height (from the ballast base).…”

Section: Fig 11mentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of geoinclusions for sustainable rail infrastructure under increased axle loads and higher speeds

Indraratna

Ferreira

et al. 2018

Innov. Infrastruct. Solut.

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Ngoc Trung, "Application of geoinclusions for sustainable rail infrastructure under increased axle loads and higher speeds" (2018). Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences -Papers: Part B. 1988. Abstract AbstractGiven the ongoing demand for faster trains for carrying heavier loads, conventional ballasted railroads require considerable upgrading in order to cope with the increasing traffic-induced stresses. During train operations, ballast deteriorates due to progressive breakage and fouling caused by the infiltration of fine particles from the surface or mud-pumping from the underneath layers (e.g. sub-ballast, sub-grade), which decreases the load bearing capacity, impedes drainage and increases the deformation of ballasted tracks. Suitable ground improvement techniques involving geosynthetics and resilient rubber sheets are commonly employed to enhance the stability and longevity of rail tracks. This keynote paper focuses mainly on research projects undertaken at the University of Wollongong to improve track performance by emphasising the main research outcomes and their practical implications. Results from laboratory tests, computational modelling and field trials have shown that track behaviour can be significantly improved by the use of geosynthetics, energy-absorbing rubber mats, rubber crumbs and infilled-recycled tyres. Fullscale monitoring of instrumented track sections supported by rail industry (ARTC) has been performed, and the obtained field data for in situ stresses and deformations could verify the track performance, apart from validating the numerical simulations. The research outcomes provide promising approaches that can be incorporated into current track design practices to cater for high-speed freight trains carrying heavier loads.

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“…This was commercialised in 2014 on Kumamoto Electric Railway vehicles. Owing to the advantages of vehicles with reduced mass (Rochard and Schmid, 2004), the development of lightweight trains using alternative materials and structures is expected to be particularly important for the future of the rail industry.…”

Section: Implications Of Very Light Rail Formentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The lightweight nature of the vehicles places fewer requirements on the track and track support, hence reducing installation costs (Bonnett, 1991;Rochard and Schmid, 2004). Furthermore, it is expected that there will be less track and wheel wear (Rochard and Schmid, 2004), reducing maintenance costs (Network Rail, 2015). Finally, the diesel-electric hybrid powertrain removes any electrification requirements.…”

Section: Infrastructurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, appropriate infrastructure and rolling stock are required to ensure that an economically viable solution is developed. Owing to the expected reductions in the life-cycle costs of both the vehicles and infrastructure (Rochard and Schmid, 2004), a lightweight vehicle with a high-efficiency drivetrain has significant potential within the rail industry.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Development of a very light rail vehicle

Winnett

Hoffrichter

Iraklis

et al. 2017

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Transport

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The collaborative very light rail project involves the development of a novel railcar designed to revolutionise the rail industry: a self-powered, Very Light Rail (VLR) vehicle. Each of the two bogies contains a complete diesel-electric series-hybrid drive system, whilst the whole vehicle has undergone significant lightweighting activity to realise a target weight of less than 18 tonnes, or 1 tonne per linear meter. The target cost is £500,000, which is to be achieved through the use of standardised, modular components, and appropriate materials and structural design methodologies. The research covers several aspects of the GB Rail Technical Strategy (RTS) chapter relating to Rolling Stock. Lightweighting leads to a reduction in the propulsion requirements and reduces the infrastructure installation and maintenance costs. The use of higher efficiency drive systems achieved through on-board energy systems enables a reduction in carbon emissions. These hybridisation activities improve the passenger experience through quieter operation, decreased vibration and the possible elimination of exhaust emissions in stations. Combining new drive systems with modular lightweight structures will lead to lower life-cycle costs and thus could enable the economical reopening of lines

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Benefits of lower-mass trains for high speed rail operations

Cited by 20 publications

References 5 publications

Use of Geogrids and Recycled Rubber in Railroad Infrastructure for Enhanced Performance

Use of Geogrids and Recycled Rubber in Railroad Infrastructure for Enhanced Performance

Application of geoinclusions for sustainable rail infrastructure under increased axle loads and higher speeds

Development of a very light rail vehicle

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