Technical Transition of Earth Structures for Shinkansen

Abstract

The paper describes the technical transition of earth structures for the super express known as the Shinkansen. To ensure the safe running of Shinkansen, the earth structures needed to be adequately designed and constructed with consideration of cost eŠectiveness and high stability. These earth structures include embankments for the slab tracks, reinforced retaining walls, reinforced cut slopes, aseismic abutments, soil improvement and performance-based design. New construction techniques and design methods, model tests,ˆeld construction tests and evaluations of these designs were carried out to construct the best possible earth structures. The actual applications of the earth structures listed above to secure the safe running of the Shinkansen are introduced.

A numerical study on the influence of backfill settlements in the train/track interaction at transition zones to railway bridges

“…Previous studies have reported that railway track degrades at a quicker rate in transitions zones between sections of the track with different characteristics and support conditions. 1–4 Transition zones between earthworks, bridges, viaducts or tunnels are some examples of these critical locations. To maintain adequate safety and quality levels, railway infrastructure managers need to perform frequent maintenance work, which is costly and reduces track availability.…”