A Periodic Track Model for the Prediction of Ground-Borne Vibration due to Parametric Excitation

© Civil-Comp Press, 2016. This paper presents a two-step model for the prediction of ground-borne vibrations induced by parametric excitation. The axle loads are predicted first by solving the train-track interaction problem with an iterative sequential Dirichlet-Neumann algorithm. Next, the axle loads are applied on a three dimensional periodic coupled finite element-boundary element track model to predict the vibrations in the free field. This two-step model is illustrated by two case studies. First, the influence of parametric excitation due to the periodic rail supports is investigated by considering a train passing over a periodic track. It is found that when the wheel and rail unevenness is low, parametric excitation causes higher free field vibrations around the sleeper passing frequency and its multiples. In the second case study, a hanging sleeper is included in the track model, leading to higher free field vibrations at frequencies between the sleeper passing frequency and its multiples.

Publication year:2016