Optimization of Vibration Reduction Ability of Ladder Tracks by FEM Coupled with ACO

Abstract

Ladder track, which has drawn increased attention in scientific communities, is an effective method for reducing vibrations from underground railways. In order to optimize the vibration reduction ability of ladder track, a new method, that is, the finite element method (FEM) coupled with ant colony optimization (ACO), has been proposed in this paper. We describe how to build the FEM model verified by the vibration tests in the Track Vibration Abatement and Control Laboratory and how to couple the FEM with ACO. The density and elasticity modulus of the sleeper pad are optimized using this method. After optimization, the vibration acceleration level of the supporting platform in the 1–200 Hz range was reduced from 102.8 dB to 94.4 dB. The optimized density of the sleeper pad is 620 kg/m3, and the optimized elasticity modulus of the sleeper pad is 6.25 × 106 N/m2.

Control of Metro Train-Induced Vibrations in a Laboratory Using Periodic Piles

“…[21] Xu [20] Liu et al [17], Jia et al [18] High resilient rail fastener Fang et al [19] Twin-block booted sleepers Gao et al [22], He and Yang [23] Ladder sleeper track Yan et al [25], Jin et al [26] Ma et al [27] Xia et al [24] FST with steel spring Ma et al [3], Zhai et al [28], Ding et al [29] Ma et al [3], Liu et al [17], Jia et al [18] FST with rubber bearing Yuan et al [30] FST + tuned slab damper/mass block Xu [20], Zhu et al [31,32],…”

“…Multi rows of piles exhibit a better ability to mitigate vibrations due to their periodic arrangement. In recent years, it is Twin-block booted sleepers Gao et al [22], He and Yang [23] Ladder sleeper track Yan et al [25], Jin et al [26] Ma et al [27] Xia et al [24] Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 22…”

“…Table 1 summarizes existing research on different types of vibration-isolating tracks. The elastic element can be inserted under the rail [17][18][19][20][21], the sleeper [22][23][24][25][26][27], and the whole slab track [3,17,18,[28][29][30]. The track's natural frequency decreases with the decrease of the elastic element stiffness or increase in floating masses above the elastic elements.…”

Analogical Assessment of Train-Induced Vibration and Radiated Noise in a Proposed Theater

“…The vibration sources of the metro concern the whole vehicle–track–foundation system. It has been found that vehicle and track damping measures, such as dampers on the wheels [ 6 ] and rails [ 7 ], elastic clips [ 8 ], ladder slabs [ 9 ] and embedded [ 10 ] and floating slab tracks with damping pads [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] and steel springs [ 15 ], etc., can have a significant impact on the vibration levels and frequency characteristics. Besides the variation of track structures, the track condition is also an important influencing factor that cannot be ignored.…”

An experimental study of vibration reduction of a ballasted ladder track

“…The results showed that it has strong vibration and noise reduction effects. Optimization research on the floating ladder track was also performed by Yan et al 23,24 and Jin et al 25,26 The ballasted ladder track can significantly distribute the train loads equally in longitudinal direction and reduce the dynamic load transferred to the ballast. The system can benefit on reducing maintenance cost.…”