Parameter Identification and Analysis of a Slab Track System Using 3D ABAQUS Program

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to conduct in-depth investigations on the parameter identification and convergence study of slab track analysis. The idealized theoretical solutions are first investigated. Together with the principles of dimensional analysis as well as its similarity to a rigid pavement system, several dominating mechanistic variables are identified and numerically verified. A systematic approach was utilized and implemented in a VISUAL BASIC software package to study the effects of mesh fineness and element selections using the ABAQUS three-dimensional (3D) finite-element model (FEM) program. The convergence characteristics of various 3D shell and 3D solid elements are investigated. Several guidelines in mesh fineness and element selections are recommended. This study strives to bridge the gap between the closed-form solutions and the numerical results obtained from 3D FEM analyses so as to expand its applicability to various practical track conditions more realistically.